PHOENIX, AZ — In 2018, over 140 police officers across the country died in the line of duty. In Phoenix, it was a record year for officer involved shootings. Despite that, people are still applying and wanting to put on the badge.
The Phoenix Police Department says they've had a high number of applicants so far this year.
At NAU's North Phoenix campus, law enforcement recruiters held a job fair and panel discussion about diversity in the workplace.
19-year-old Sam Hamouz attended Saturday's job fair, in hopes of learning more about working as a police officer.
"They are kind of under a fine microscope because they have to literally watch every single thing they're doing to make sure they're still viewed as good," Hamouz said.
Tempe Police Chief Sylvia Moir says in order to earn the community's trust, they're working on doing more community policing.
"We go to where they are and we have conversations in homes in neighborhoods," Moir said.
Phoenix Police Commander Tom Van Dorn says one question often asked by recruits is about body cameras.
"How does that help law enforcement and their transparency and what it is they're trying to achieve," Van Dorn said. "How does it affect them individually?"
