GALESBURG, Ill. — Illinois State Police, local law enforcement and other public agencies hosted a recruitment fair at Carl Sandburg College on Wednesday.
Law enforcement officials said there is a big need for police officers in the area — and throughout the country.
"There's a huge need for retention and recruitment across America right now," Henry County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Dakota Copeland said. "We're looking for someone that's young, motivated and wants to come out and do the job."
Copeland said the sheriff's office is actively looking for two to four applicants.
"We want somebody that's willing to come out here and do what most people are not willing to do," he said. "A lot of people get into this job and they don't stick it out because of a lot of the social pressures I believe."
With over 800 square miles and nearly 55,000 residents, he said Henry County — and similar areas — pose unique challenges.
"Oftentimes you're on patrol with only two people in the whole county. We're looking for people that are able to go out and potentially police by themselves."
He said the right candidate would be motivated and self-sufficient because a backup officer could be 30-40 minutes away.
Although she isn't interested in being a police officer, Carl Sandburg sophomore Mia Sturm is focused on a career in criminal justice. From mission trips in high school, to now her future job, she said she has always wanted to assist others.
"I feel like being in law enforcement, it's like the purest form of serving justice and helping people," she said. “I think that's something that would really bring me fulfillment. I want to do that for the rest of my life."
The Illinois State Police is also looking for lateral and traditional applicants. The deadline to apply for the Class of 2025 is Nov 1.