Hays County Sheriff’s Office Seeks New Applicants

“It’s not just Hays County; I think this is a nationwide problem, and there are various reasons why,” says Lt. Todd Riffe.

by, Undria Wilson

As Hays County continues to grow, it’s law enforcement has been faced matching that growth. 

Lieutenant Todd Riffe and Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez have been with Hays County Sheriff’s office for over two decades working with the Patrol Division.

Recruitment for Hays County has remained consistent throughout the years despite struggling to maintain the quota for hiring in the law enforcement field.

The department currently has over 140 deputies, which include corrections officers and dispatchers.

“It’s not just Hays County; I think this is a nationwide problem, and there are various reasons why. I think the negative view that the media at times portray of law enforcement can set people off,” says Lt. Todd Riffe. “Our hiring process is considerably long compared to the public sector which you can go in, fill out an application, do an interview, and you’re hired. Ours could take months, and then you have to go through months of training, and I don’t think that sits well with some people.” 

“The national issues are unfortunate that in law enforcement when you have one cop that screws up somewhere, it’s a ripple effect and so a lot of the rules and laws get changed very quickly,” says Lt. Dennis Gutierrez of the Hays County Patrol Division. “I think a lot of people see that as a threat. I’m not sure about the job security or what might happen; it’s a very tough job. You’re more than just a law enforcement officer; you’re a counselor, mentor. There are so many hats that you have to play. There’s a lot of responsibility. I think people would rather take a nice paycheck and lower responsibility than have to work nights and weekends and leave your family behind.”

Lt. Riffe and Lt. Gutierrez emphasize the need for potential applicants to be mentally prepared to be away from family during the most pivotal moments such as holidays. This job isn’t just for anyone.

“You shouldn’t carry your feelings on your shoulders. You get to see a side to people that most people don’t get to see. You’re going to be working holidays, nights and weekends. Major events like the flood, your days off are taken away. You have to come into this job prepared that this is how it’s going to be,” Lt. Riffe says.

Being a police officer is more than sitting in a patrol car monitoring traffic for hours on end or responding to serious situations that could be dangerous. But there are dangers.

According to ODMP.org, 101 law enforcement officers have been lost in the line of duty in 2018 with most of those deaths being from gunfire or assault. Thirty-seven officers died of gunfire-related injuries, and two died from assault.

In its history, Hays County Sheriff’s Office has lost two deputies in the line of duty.

Deputy Sheriff Henry Banks was shot and killed in November 1873 after encountering a disorderly man, who was harassing a couple. He was fatally shot when the suspect attacked him and managed to disarm him.

Special Deputy Sheriff John Davis was stabbed in June of 1913 while attempting to quell a disturbance at a dance near San Marcos.

During his intervention, he was attacked by two men and stabbed multiple times. He died of his injuries the following morning.

The San Marcos Police Department lost its first officer in the line of duty in December of 2017.

Officer Kenneth Copeland was shot multiple times while he and other officers attempted to serve a warrant for a violent crime. He was rushed to Central Texas Medical Center but later died of his wounds.

A Kyle Police was found dead Sunday, September 17, night in a San Marcos apartment. According to the Kyle Police Department, he was off-duty at the time of his death.

Other causes of death in the line of duty included 9/11 related illnesses, automobile crashes, duty-related illnesses and vehicular assault.

The meaning of being a police officer is living life to a different standard, being able to be mature and responsible for yourself and others are what makes this career choice worthwhile in the long run.

The department ventures out into the community by showing appreciation and willingness to serve. They host a program called “Citizens Academy,” which helps local families find jobs, shadow law enforcement and learn the day to day lives of Hays County Sheriff’s Deputies.

The Hays County Sheriff’s Department has found creative ways to market their current position by advertising with car decals or bumper stickers rallying for more recruitment.

To spread the word, the department uses its Facebook page as well as attends job fairs to diversify potential applicants.

For more information on how to apply, go to the Hays County Sheriff’s website (www.co.hays.tx.us) or call the Human Resources Department at 512.393.7838.