Police Seek Community Input to Boost Local Recruitment at Upcoming Town Hall

In an effort to build a police force that better reflects the community it serves, the Pasadena Police Department is inviting residents to share their ideas at a town hall meeting on Saturday, April 13.

The gathering, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Washington Park Community House, aims to brainstorm strategies for attracting local candidates to join the department. It comes at a time of national discussions about the need for law enforcement agencies to improve their diversity and community relations.

“The purpose of the Recruitment Town Hall is to communicate our efforts at local recruiting and to receive ideas from the community on the best most effective ways to promote local interest in sworn and professional staff positions,” said Chief Gene Harris, who will lead the discussions along with members of the department’s recruitment team.

The department is looking to fill a variety of roles, including police officers, dispatchers, and administrative positions, according to Chief Harris. As part of its “contemporary rebranding” efforts, the department wants to partner with community members to develop comprehensive local recruitment strategies, he added.

“I am eager to hear from anyone who may have fruitful ideas on how to tap into the local talent with homegrown interests and attachments,” Chief Harris said. “We want to hear recruitment ideas and develop a pipeline of potential employees who live in Pasadena.”

The town hall will initially focus on reviewing the department’s current recruitment strategies, including how it is nurturing talent within existing programs like the Police Activities League, the Police Cadet program, and the Explorer program. Chief Harris and the recruitment team will discuss the qualities and characteristics the department is seeking in potential candidates.

Community participation will be a key part of the discussion, with attendees encouraged to share their input on specific topics related to local recruitment. The department plans to use the feedback to help shape its strategies moving forward.

Officials said that after the town hall, the department will determine its next steps for ensuring that it reflects the diversity and values of the community it serves.

“Together, we can ensure that the Pasadena Police Department reflects the strength, diversity, and spirit of our community,” the department said in a Facebook post announcing the event.

The town hall meeting is free and open to the public. The Washington Park Community House is located at 700 E. Washington Boulevard in Pasadena.