DEMOCRATS BALWIERCZAK & SEVER APPLAUD NAPD RECRUITMENT EFFORTS, ENCOURAGE CALLS FOR MORE LOCAL, RESIDENT HIRES!
NORTH ARLINGTON – Democratic council candidates John Balwierczak and Cengiz “Jim” Sever have applauded the efforts of the NAPD in fostering smart recruitment efforts that will result in a diverse workforce that reflects North Arlington’s demographics and values.
“The hiring of law enforcement personnel is one of the most sensitive and important responsibilities of an elected official. These are highly attractive, high paying positions that offer great benefits that are intensely sought after by any prospective candidate. We want to ensure the best and the brightest are recruited and eventually hired. We also believe there is a great benefit to residents and taxpayers that locals be strategically recruited and play a key role in this process since they bring so much to the table,” offered both Balwierczak & Sever. 
Recruiting residents into a police department and implementing a residency preference policy (giving hiring preference to individuals who live in the city or community they will serve) can bring a range of benefits to both the police force and the community. Recruitment-Plan-09-17-25
Here are the key advantages:
🔹 1. Improved Community Trust & Legitimacy
Familiarity with the community: Officers who grew up or live in the area are more likely to understand the local culture, history, and dynamics.
Shared experiences: Residents-turned-officers may have shared backgrounds with community members, fostering empathy and reducing the “us vs. them” mindset.
Increased legitimacy: When the police look like and come from the community they serve, it increases public perception of fairness and representation.
🔹 2. Better Communication & De-escalation:
Knowledge of local norms: Resident officers can more accurately interpret behavior and respond appropriately.
Stronger informal networks: They may already know local leaders, families, and problem areas, which can lead to quicker resolutions and de-escalation.
🔹 3. Long-Term Investment in the Community:
Higher accountability: Officers living in the community are more directly affected by the outcomes of their work, increasing their personal investment in safety and justice.
Civic pride: Officers have a vested interest in improving the neighborhood’s quality of life, leading to more proactive policing.
🔹 4. Recruitment and Retention Advantages:
Larger applicant pool: Residency preference opens the door for qualified local applicants who may not otherwise consider law enforcement careers.
Better retention: Officers serving their own community may be more likely to stay long-term due to personal ties and satisfaction.
🔹 5. Cost and Logistics Benefits:
Reduced commute times: Officers living closer to work face less travel stress, leading to improved performance and availability.
Emergency availability: Local officers can respond more quickly during emergencies, disasters, or large-scale incidents.
🔹 6. Cultural Competency and Language Skills
Diverse representation: Hiring from within the community can help ensure a police force that reflects its racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
Language advantages: Resident officers may speak the same languages or dialects common in the neighborhood, improving service delivery.
Both Balwierczak and Sever pointed to numerous recruitment vehicles such as a Junior Police Academy, Police Athletic League (PAL), and Police Explorers that can reach interested parties in our Middle School as well as our High School offers a true career path that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree,” offered the challengers.
“We will rely on the advice and guidance of the Chief when determining who we ultimately hire. We would determine that when all things being equal, that our residents become a true pool of potential candidates moving forward. We will practice what we preach. An objective, non-partisan hiring process we can be proud of.”
Have a question for the Democrats? 
Call (201) 655-8497.