Since 2011, Hobbs Police Department has doubled the number of officers on the job. They’re recognized as having one of the most successful police department hiring increases in the state of New Mexico.
How did they do it? The City of Hobbs and their police department came up with a hiring incentive. If a certified officer signed a five year contract with their task force, they’d give them $25,000 to put down on a home. If they signed for a decade, the department would give them $50,000.
“We were behind for many years on our staffing, and what we were able to do on the street was affected by that. It’s enabled us to address more issues that are important to our community members,” says Hobbs Police Chief Chris McCall.
“We have recruited off the West Coast, the East Coast, and everywhere in between,” says McCall.
That’s exactly what brought Officer Alvin Mattocks to Hobbs, New Mexico. A San Diego, California native, packed his bags, and brought his family to the small New Mexican town with high hopes for community.
“Hobbs is home now. Out in California, it’s very trying to get into this profession. I luckily heard about Hobbs, submitted an application, and got a phone call back,” says Officer Alvin Mattocks.
“I can actually go to a store, and people will thank me for my service and what not. Back in San Diego they don’t do that,” says Mattocks.
He took the offer about three years ago, and has continued to grow roots in the city. Mattocks father was a Law Enforcement Officer in San Diego. He says it runs in his blood, he always knew he wanted to help people, and his calling was definitely in law enforcement.
“They’ve been nothing but great to me here, so all I can is return it back to them,” says Mattocks.
(Information from YourBasin.com)
