New Central Coast police officers face challenging times

Law enforcement agencies on the Central Coast are struggling to fill positions. That includes the Salinas police department, who is still in need of 28 officers. But on Thursday, the call of duty was answered by six new hires, who will face new challenges.

“Times as we all know are getting tougher and tougher out there. And we need individuals like these to serve our communities,” said a community member from the podium.

A full house, as 35 men and women took the oath to protect and serve during Thursday’s police graduation ceremony in Salinas.

“We understand that this is not the end but the beginning to a very challenging career,” Officer Mario Avina.

A challenging career indeed, as these, promises to protect come one day after the mass killings in San Bernardino.

“It’s about serving the community putting service before self just like our class motto. You know I couldn’t be prouder of the other men and women in law enforcement who are willing to go and step up to the plate to deal with something like that,” Officer Mitchell Eggers said.

“It’s definitely something that could happen at any time of our careers and there for we must be ready,” Avina said.

These new officers said they’re facing an uphill battle, admitting public opinion of law enforcement is low right now. That paired with gang violence in Salinas being at an all-time high, hitting a record number of homicides earlier this year. Becoming a new officer in Salinas is not an easy task.

“It’s definitely harder today to become a police officer. Violent crime increases pulls resources away from quality of life issues that are just as important to everyday living in Salinas,” Chief Kelly McMillin

McMillin said all six of his new hires were raised in Salinas and they know the struggles the community faces.