FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Police Department is experiencing a sharp rise in officer applications this year, with nearly 4,000 submitted so far in 2025, WFAA reported.
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Department officials credit the surge to visible support from city leadership and a new recruitment video featuring its new Chief Eddie Garcia, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Manager Jay Chapa. The video emphasizes public trust, safety and backing for officers.
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“In our city, we stand firmly behind our police department,” Parker says in the video. “We back the blue and, importantly, I support you.”
So far in 2025, Fort Worth PD has received 3,952 officer applications — with more than half submitted after Garcia was named a candidate for police chief.
“Anytime you get a new chief, people are going to take notice,” Captain Chris Britt told WFAA. “You saw our chief went out and immediately put out a video announcing where he stood and his philosophy on things.”
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Britt, who has been with the department for two decades, said that the level of public support is resonating with potential recruits.
“What’s really helping us a lot is that support we’re getting outside the police department as well,” Britt said.
Of the department’s 1,906 budgeted officer positions, 1,728 are currently filled, according to the report.
Recruitment challenges remain widespread across the country, as law enforcement agencies compete to attract new officers with competitive pay and benefits. But Fort Worth may have found an edge by promoting a united message from city officials.
“In Fort Worth, we believe safety is important. That’s why we support our police department,” Chapa said in the video.
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