Photo by Timothy Frudd With the recent shortage in people entering the service of law enforcement, Sheriff James Quattrone and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy believe a “crisis” could quickly be approaching. Quattrone, left, is pictured with

MAYVILLE — Sheriff James Quattrone and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy are warning of the difficulties facing police as the number of people entering law enforcement is quickly declining.

During his recent trip to Chautauqua County, Langworthy described what he believes is a “crisis” coming down the road with a shortage of law enforcement officers. He said that every police agency he visits tells him that the number of people taking the civil service tests and entering the field of law enforcement is “night and day” compared to the number of people that once took the tests and became officers.

“These are great careers if someone has a desire to enter them, but with the obstacles that are in the way, there’s less and less people seeking that opportunity,” he said. “I’ve heard some tests, it’s as little as a third of what you used to take the test now take the test.”

Langworthy emphasized his commitment as the federal representative of the 23rd District to stand with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, Dunkirk Police Department, Jamestown Police Department and all of the smaller departments throughout Chautauqua County. Acknowledging many of the challenges facing law enforcement officers, especially with difficulties in recruiting new police officers and staff members, Langworthy reaffirmed his support for law enforcement and explained that he tries to highlight his support for law enforcement as much as possible.

“We’re losing officers that are still in their prime to other states,” he said. “Florida is giving signing bonuses to New York cops, and New York police officers can go down there and they don’t have to worry about their state government tying their hands. They can actually go do the job that they swore to do.”

Quattrone echoed Langworthy’s warnings regarding the upcoming shortage of police officers and law enforcement officials. He said that fewer people are taking the civil service tests, resulting in fewer individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement. As a result, Quattrone said the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is seeking policy changes that would make it easier for the county to recruit additional police officers.

“We are advocating for a change in civil service law to allow us have a continuous recruitment,” he said. “Like the state police, they do have a different system in place where they’re able to test more often and they’re testing from out of state. Countywide, we’re not able to do that, and we’re hitting roadblocks and trying to get civil service to make those changes for us.”