The city of Seattle is facing a shortage of police officers, and they are looking to recruit individuals who entered the country illegally as children. In a recent post on the Seattle Police Department’s LinkedIn page, it was announced that applications from DACA recipients are now being accepted.
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that allows migrants who entered the country illegally as minors to defer deportation and gain work authorization in the United States. In order to qualify for DACA, individuals must have come to the U.S. before their 16th birthday and lack legal authorization to live in the country.
Previously, DACA recipients were not eligible to work in law enforcement due to restrictions on carrying firearms. However, the ATF clarified last year that DACA recipients can possess firearms in connection with their official duties. This paved the way for DACA recipients to potentially join the ranks of the Seattle Police Department.
Earlier this year, the Washington legislature passed a bill that reformed state laws to allow DACA recipients to apply for civil service positions. This legislation went into effect last week, opening the door for DACA recipients to apply for positions within the police department.
The Seattle Police Department has been struggling with staffing levels in recent years, losing 725 officers over the last five years. With only 913 trained officers currently on staff, the department is facing its lowest staffing level since the 1990s. The recruitment of DACA recipients could help fill this void in the department.
The department has updated its qualifications guidelines to reflect the change, stating that applicants must hold U.S. citizenship, legal permanent residency, or be a DACA recipient. This shift in recruitment policy could help address the staffing shortages faced by the Seattle Police Department.
While the department has not yet responded to requests for comment, the recruitment of DACA recipients could provide a solution to the ongoing staffing challenges faced by the department. By opening up opportunities for individuals who entered the country illegally as children, the Seattle Police Department is taking steps to address its depleted ranks and ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents.