HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Recruiting efforts continue in Hutchinson to fill vacancies in the police department.

City Manager John Deardoff says some of the openings were filled, but the department is still about 14 officers short of a full staff.

Deardoff says there are currently four officers in final training. There is still a large hole to fill once those officers hit the streets.

Deardoff says the city and police force have been going to area colleges to try and recruit potential officers. He reiterated this is not a problem in Hutchinson alone, but nationwide. Senator Ed Berger and Hutchinson Police Chief Jeffrey Hooper discussed trying to get more connected with Hutchinson Community College during Hooper’s speech before the Chamber of Commerce in November.

Deardoff says the city will continue to reevaluate its recruiting practices in an effort to fill the vacancies.