OCPD takes new measures to expand recruiting efforts

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Police Department is trying to find new ways to fill full-time and seasonal positions.

As part of a national trend, the department has seen a dip in applicants over the past several years. At Wednesday morning’s Ocean City Police Commission meeting, a number of measures were presented by Lieutenant Allen Hawk and interm Chief Michael Colbert. Measures included targeted digital marketing, expanded testing opportunities with an online platform, as well as overall stronger and more visible branding for the department:

“Where there’s a lot of applicants looking for jobs in various different locations and jurisdictions, we have to be known and marketable in that sense where we have that brand,” Lt. Hawk said.

The department is also looking into the Department of Defense’s Skillbridge program, an initiative that helps military members nearing the end of their service find employment opportunities with businesses and organizations.