ATLANTA — MARTA's Police Department is looking to beef up its force to keep riders safe.
The transportation system is taking steps they've never taken before to get officers on board.
Channel 2's Erin Coleman talked to the deputy chief to find out why they are going as far as Michigan to get qualified candidates.
"We have stringent requirements, higher than some agencies. That rules out a lot of people," said MARTA Police Department Deputy Chief Mike Burrows.
Burrows said for the first time they're going to Detroit on a two-day recruiting campaign to colleges and military bases trying to find qualified officers.
"Detroit is kind of distressed out there right now, the economy (is) kind of rough (and) a lot of people (are) out of work. We're hoping we can find some good applicants out of the bunch," Burrows said.
Michigan isn't the only place MARTA is looking for officers.
Last month, the department went to Fort Lee, Va., and Camp Lejune, N.C. In June they're headed to Fort Benning. There's also talk about a recruiting trip to Puerto Rico.
For the first time ever, MARTA is also offering a signing bonus up to $3,000 to join the force.
"We may have to go through 200 applicants to get a handful, maybe five," Burrows said.
Right now there are 12 vacancies on the force. But, the proposed budget starting July 1 adds an additional 29 officers. Plus, in the next three years, they're looking at 40 possible retirements.
"There's a lot of individual agencies out looking for the same type of individual that we are," Burrows said.
That is why Burrows said they have to go further to find the right people. Riders think it's a good idea.
"I love it for one simple reason: police protect and serve just like in the military," one MARTA rider told Coleman.
"Whatever it takes to make everybody feel safe, yes," another rider said.
So, how is MARTA paying for all of these trips? Burrows told Coleman they're using the salaries from those vacant positions to foot the bill.
The trip to Detroit is scheduled for May 16.
WSBTV
