Thread: Irving Intensifies Hispanic Officer Recruiting

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/w ... 03e14.html

Irving intensifies Hispanic officer recruiting

08:25 PM CST on Monday, December 19, 2005
By JEFF BRADY / WFAA-TV

Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the United State's population, and civic governments are struggling to keep up with the change.

Emergency response is one of the fields that have focused on diversity, and at the Irving Police Department they have launched a major minority recruiting drive.

Irving police recruiters have expanded the net to find new officers and may soon include the states of New Mexico, Kansas and Missouri.

Hispanic police officers who speak Spanish are a hot commodity in law enforcement recruiting.

"It makes a huge difference," said Michael Rios, Irving Police Department. "Hispanic officers are able to handle more calls we get called forward to translate on a daily basis."

Officer Rios has started working with John Argumaniz, who is the department's newest hire eligible for up to $110 extra per month because he speaks Spanish.

Argumaniz was a California officer and moved his family to North Texas.

"It's a good recruiting tool," he said. "That's one of the things you go to first is benefits, and the things that you can get when you go to different police departments. That's very important and appealing to Spanish-speaking officers because you are used more."

Whether they speak Spanish or not, the department said they want Latino men and women to apply.

Irving police department leaders said they want the department to more accurately reflect the demographic of the community. The department is 10 percent Hispanic now, while the city is at 30 percent.

A new recruiting video demonstrates the department's commitment, but the paycheck may be the most important tool.

Entry-level Irving officers earn more than $44,000.

The highest rank earns $62,000, which is not uncommon in North Texas police departments.

"So, we're all very competitive and we offer a good salary," said Kalena Barber, Irving police recruiter. "We're competitive with most corporations now."

E-mail jbrady@wfaa

Does anyone think its fair that these officers get paid an extra $110 a month because they can speak spanish? I say its discrimination.

Originally Posted by butterbean

Does anyone think its fair that these officers get paid an extra $110 a month because they can speak spanish? I say its discrimination.

HECK NO! It's not fair!