WILLIAMSPORT -- Officials in Lycoming County say police presence is beginning to dwindle in one city. Now, Williamsport is looking for a few good men and women to join the force.
Dozens of pictures of Williamsport's police force hang on the walls at the police department at city hall. Recently, several officers have retired.
"We are looking for a few good people," said Bill Hall, city council president.
Hall said the city needs more people to apply for those open positions in the department.
"It's been difficult because of the number of steps that are required to get police applicants interviewed and then processed and certified," said Hall.
Williamsport has budgeted for 49 officers. Right now they have 46. Hall says there are about four or five other officers who will retire soon.
"I wouldn't say I'm low on officers, I would say I'm low on the recruitment list to replace those officers," said Hall.
Officials say once someone is hired they will have to go through about five months of training before they can actually start working in Williamsport. That's why they are asking people to start applying now.
"If they had more police officers it would cut it to a minimum," said Susan Rowles.
Susan Rowles lives in Williamsport. She's not surprised the city is not getting a lot of applications.
"Their lives are on the line. They are not giving enough of something," said Rowles.
Police Captain Michael Orwig says the city is considering ways to help potential officers pay for training.
"I don't know if the job isn't as appealing as it used to be," said Captain Orwig.
"It takes someone with patience. It takes someone with wisdom. It takes someone who can deal with tough situations," said Hall.
Folks who would like to apply to the Williamsport Police force can pick up an application at city hall or download one online.