The Baltimore Police Department looks to grow cadet numbers and keep officers in the force.

The department has struggled to bring in more officers over recent years, which has led to nearly 25% of current officers working overtime. Commissioner Richard Worley said the department is still 500 officers short but is happy with latest progress.

“The classes that we have coming out are larger,” Worley said. “The next class that’s going to go to field training has over 40 officers in it.”

Last year, the department hired 164 officers — a 37% increase from 2023. Earlier this year, the department began to offer new incentives to entice people to join the agency.

Worley noted the goal is to be in the positive every year by giving current officers raises so they do not lose as many going forward.

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