ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Police Department graduated one of its largest recruitment classes in May, with 27 new hires. 

OPD Recruitment Sergeant Yong Hall said those numbers are a great reflection of all the resources Chief Eric Smith has put into drawing in more officers and continuing to diversify the department.

During a small welcoming ceremony with the new recruits, Hall said the department isn’t slowing down either, and that they’re aiming to be fully staffed.

“Within the next couple of years, we intend to hire a lot more help for you guys,” he said.

Despite law enforcement agencies across the country struggling to attract applicants, Hall said OPD and other agencies in Florida seem to be doing well.

He shared that after the death of George Floyd, the profession took a drastic hit, with people losing interest in the badge. Then, Florida leaders announced funding for “sign on” bonuses for anyone willing to join the police force, or transfer from out-of-state agencies.

“You can be an officer in another state and transfer to Florida, and you’ll be awarded a $5,000 bonus,” said Hall. 

While the incentives have been a great help, Hall shared that he believes there are also still people, like himself, who have a desire to work a meaningful job helping people and making an impact in their community. Which is why as the Sergeant of recruitment, he encourages getting out and building relationships across Orlando.

Hall came to the United States from South Korea at the age of two, settling in Detroit with his family. As an adult, he started working as a welder, which he did for 12 ½ years. However, after a while, Hall said he longed to have more of an impact in his community, while also wanting to get away from the cold.

He joined OPD in 2007 and at the time, believed to be the only Korean officer, and only one of a few officers within the department of Asian descent.

“To know that there was another person that looked like me, speaks like me. You know, it made me feel a little bit more comfortable,” he said.

So, when Hall got the opportunity to join the recruitment team, he said he knew that he wanted to focus on drawing more Asian officers in.

“It’s important to build a bond with your community, especially when they don’t recognize the officers,” said Hall.

During a ride-along, Hall took Spectrum News 13 to the East 50 area, a place he visits often because of the predominately Asian-owned businesses.

Hall said by stopping in at some of these businesses, he’s been able to build trust within the Asian community, allowing them to see someone that looks like them and can culturally connect.

Hall shared that those kinds of relationships matter a lot when it comes to tips related to crime.

He said it’s also helped him shed light on the great opportunities awaiting people that might be interested in a career as a law enforcement officer.

“Our police department has to reflect our community and if our community has an Asian population in it, we have to put effort into hiring Asian police officers,” said Hall.

OPD shared its staffing numbers as of May 3, 2023, with nearly 900 sworn officials working within the department. Men make up 85% of the department, with women sitting at 15%. Hall said Chief Smith’s goal is to increase those numbers to a 30% female officer rate by 2030.

Other top demographics in the department include white officers with 448 sworn men and women.

There are 214 Hispanic or Latino officers, and 112 African American officers. These are currently the leading demographics in the department, with 19 officers of Asian descent.

Hall acknowledges that diversity within OPD has grown tremendously since he started, but growing Asian officer numbers remains a top priority.