Police recruiting efforts 'fantastic' at Pride fest

Police agencies weren't sure what kind of response they'd get when they set up a recruiting booth at the annual Utah Pride Festival.

It turned out to be "fantastic," said South Salt Lake Police Capt. Tracy Tingey, co-chairman of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Public Safety Liaison Committee.

It was the first such recruiting effort by seven Wasatch Front police agencies. In the past, police agencies had attended the event in a public outreach role.

"It's just amazing," Tingey said. "They have just been crowded around the booth."

In addition to adult career seekers, several teenagers also approached the booth.

"They may want a career down the road," Tingey said. "We can tell them what not to do. To stay out of trouble, to stay in school, to stay away from drugs."