ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department is going viral for its latest recruiting effort, a lively music video titled “Boots on the Ground” that showcases officers dancing, singing and laughing together, FOX 5 reported.
The upbeat video, which is spreading quickly on social media, is part of a broader recruitment campaign aimed at addressing ongoing staffing challenges. According to Lt. Courtney Murphy, who helped develop the concept, the goal was to show that behind the uniform are real people with families, emotions and passion for their communities.
“I wanted to show the human side of policing,” Murphy said. “I want people to see that behind the uniform is actually a person. We’re sons and daughters and mothers and fathers, and we have souls.”
APD is currently hiring for a wide range of positions and placing a special focus on increasing the number of female officers, according to the report. Women currently make up about 20% of the department, with a goal to reach 30% by 2030.
So far this year, more than 5,000 people have applied to join APD, and 118 have been hired.
“Things are really looking positive for us, but we still want to continue to build a force because as we continue, people are going to retire,” Murphy said. “Not only that, but the city is growing quickly. And when the city grows, the police department needs to grow with it also.”
In addition to competitive pay, APD offers benefits like childcare assistance, housing and tuition reimbursement, peer support, chaplaincy and a wellness center. Officers also have access to promotional exams.
“So, a lot of people said, you know, they want a career, but this isn’t a career to me,” Murphy said. “It’s a lifestyle. It’s a family. And if you want to join a family and have this lifestyle and be a part of this, then Atlanta is the only place to go.”
