Santa Maria Police: New officers join enforcement team

SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Santa Maria Police have seven new officers who are currently field training in Santa Maria.

Officers believe the new staff will help create a stronger presence in the community.

The new officers are currently training to be apart of various units in the department.

Sargent Phillip Dix says it will take about 20 weeks of hands-on training before new hires can work alone.

“The additional bodies allow us to do more for the city. It allows us to spread resources throughout the department. We can increase our numbers in the detective bureau and the Community Services Unit, as well as on the Motor Bureau.

Lateral officers that’s an ongoing recruitment at anytime if anybody wants to get in contact with me. Whether there are more people wanting to be officers right now I think the interest is always there especially in our community we have a community that is pretty pro law enforcement.

I think an important part is we’re looking for people that are professional that carry themselves in a professional demeanor, that are trustworthy and are willing to make a difference in this community," said Sargent Phillip Dix, Santa Maria Police Department.

Dix says there are still openings for dispatch and lateral officers.