Local law enforcement is taking steps to fill job openings.

The Dothan Police Department is looking for a few good men and women with a High School diploma or GED, good moral character and a clean background. The department has 155 sworn officers, but they're short around eight positions.

Chief Greg Benton, Dothan Police, says, “I think it's due in large part to the pay, the dangers of the work, it's inherently dangerous and when you get those people that have college educations they tend to gravitate more toward a higher paying law enforcement job.”

Chief Benton is looking to the Explorers program to help fill future positions.

“I think that we need to recruit from Dothan, get the people that are interested, that are already here and that love Dothan,” said Benton.

The program educates kids between the ages of 14 and 20 about the department. Chief Benton has expanded Explorers to give kids a hands-on opportunity with police work. He's hoping the kids will later join the force.

Officer Thomas Davis, Dothan Police, says, “We do have investigators that come in to show them what they do as far as investigation, swat team, K-9 unit, dispatcher, detention.”

While the police are using the Explorers program to help fill the employment gap the Sheriff's Office is looking to fill open positions from within.

The office has 54 deputies and is looking to hire another. Sheriff Hughes has hired certified applicants from other divisions which saves the office thousands of dollars in training. He says he wants to give current employees the opportunity to move up.

Sheriff Andy Hughes, Houston County, says, “Correctional officers, dispatchers or work in our civil division and they want to be sworn deputy sheriffs, so I want to give people a chance at advancement.”

The Dothan Police Department and the Houston County Sheriff's Office are planning a joint community career fair. The date has not been announced.

The Dothan Police Department’s Explorer Program meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. Membership is $10.00 per year. For more information about the program call 334-615-3612 or email at dpd@dothan.org.