BOISE, Idaho — The Gem State has seen a decline in the number of job applications for positions in retail, restaurants and coffee shops.
In addition to shortages in customer service jobs, jobs with police and other public safety organizations have also seen a decline in applications.
The Idaho Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the state of Idaho's largest law enforcement organization, claims applications for law enforcement and public safety jobs began dropping off years before the COVID-19 pandemic.
FOP represents 6,000 law enforcement members from the city, county, state, and federal levels in the Gem State. The organization's goal is to take care of officers in times of need and push for legislation to provide better resources and benefits for officers and deputies.
Interest in public safety jobs is in decline for numerous reasons, according to FOP president Bryan Lovell.
Factors like growth and the public's perception of police contribute to this downward trend.
"Overall, the amount of applications and people wanting to do this profession is going down," Lovell said. "In addition to that, in the applications we do get, going through that background process and that vetting process for these agencies, it's difficult to get people through that whole process to make sure that people can do this job and be a solid resource for their community."
Low wages are also a factor in the downward trend, according to Lovell.
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