WXYZ-TV: Marick Masters on local law enforcement hiring
By the numbers, the Wayne County Sheriff had no job applicants in April, eleven in May, and 26 this week because of new aggressive marketing. They have 150 positions to fill. “I think we do have to help ourselves with the salary," Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington said. "It is a tough job.” Low starting pay is a major factor detracting applicants from law enforcement and Sheriff Washington said being short staffed has forced many of his officers into overtime. Marick Masters is a Management Professor at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business. He says raising salary rates is not easily done for local governments. “There are serious budget constraints which constrain their ability to raise pay significantly. You can raise pay 10%, 15%, 20 % and that will make somewhat of a difference," he said.
