The city of Seattle is actively seeking to address the staffing shortage in its police department by opening up applications to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. DACA recipients, commonly referred to as 'Dreamers,' are individuals who entered the United States illegally as minors and have since benefited from the DACA policy, which allows them to defer deportation and obtain work authorization.
Historically, DACA recipients have faced barriers to employment in law enforcement due to requirements such as U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. Additionally, restrictions on carrying firearms have posed challenges for DACA recipients aspiring to become police officers. However, recent clarifications from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have indicated that DACA recipients may possess firearms in connection with their official duties.
Seattle's move to allow DACA recipients to apply for civil service positions within the police department follows the passage of legislation that reformed state laws to accommodate DACA recipients. This legislative change has opened up opportunities for DACA recipients to contribute to the city's police force, which has experienced a significant decrease in officer numbers over the past five years.
With the department facing a shortage of trained officers, the inclusion of DACA recipients in the recruitment process is seen as a positive step towards addressing staffing challenges. The updated qualifications guidelines now reflect the eligibility of DACA recipients to apply for positions within the Seattle Police Department, marking a significant shift in recruitment practices.
