HOUSTON — Houston police are searching for recruits as the department deals with low staffing. HPD said there are currently fewer officers on the city's streets today than there were 25 years ago.
The department held its annual hiring expo at Discovery Green on Saturday.
"We need to be there on the front end. We need more officers, or we can hopefully prevent something like that from happening," said HPD Acting Chief Larry Satterwhite, referencing the tragic murder of a 12-year-old.
Satterwhite has been with the department for 34 years and said this hiring event is a chance to recruit and also highlight the career paths available.
"The more that we see people like us that gives those other people an example of I can do it too," said Travion Scott.
Scott works security now but has always had dreams of suiting up in HPD blue. He was one of the people looking to find a career Saturday.
"I feel like me being a police officer not only would I be able to show them something different, but I also be the motivating person in their life to let them know it’s more out here," he said.
Officials said the force needs to grow by about 300 more. Mayor John Whitmire recently approved a measure to increase cadet classes starting in July.
Ariadna Camcho is mapping out what suits her best, whether that's in patrol, swat, K9 or investigations. But just being at Saturday's event is driven by a passion.
"As I grew up and experienced certain experiences, I guess it encouraged me to want to stand up for other people and get into this kind of career," she said.
It's people like her and Scott who could make an ideal cadet.
"Don’t miss out on this opportunity, to go out there and make a difference," Satterwhite said.