Tarrant County turns to recruitment firm to help fill hundreds of jail openings
Tarrant County commissioners approved a $37,485 agreement with a search firm to help with recruitment and retention at the Sheriff’s Office with a 3-0 vote Tuesday.
Commissioners Roy Charles Brooks and Alisa Simmons were absent from the meeting.
There are more than 235 open positions at the county Sheriff’s Department Confinement Division, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said, and those opening are causing some detention officers to work 50 hours a week, according to agenda documents.
The county’s agreement with Florida-based Recourse Communications Inc., will last 90 days.
Problems with law enforcement recruitment aren’t just limited to Tarrant County as police departments across the country see issues with filling positions.
Tuesday’s vote adds to ongoing recruitment efforts for the sheriff’s office.
On July 18 commissioners set aside $215,300 from the American Rescue Plan for a temporary position to help make recommendations on filling vacancies at the Sheriff’s Office.
County officials have also said they believe the potential new $45 million law enforcement training center may help with officer recruitment, though Democratic members of the commissioners court have said there is no proof that’s the case.
