Oakland police uses social media to recruit

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland's police force is now hiring and turning to social media to find new recruits.

The Oakland Police Department is sending out virtual want ads over various social media sites.

It's even reaching out to officers at other departments who are considered "lateral applicants."

Social media right now is the tool that many recruiters are using. It's kind of the new wave of recruiting. So we want to make sure to use social media such as Twitter, Nixel, Facebook, Nextdoor to get the word out," said Juan Sanchez.

The Oakland Police Officer's Association says the department is getting new officers on the street. The problem is retaining seasoned officers who are often lured away by other Bay Area law enforcement agencies.