Recruiters using interactive DVD

Every police department struggles with the problem of recruiting candidates with the right physical skills, mental attributes, and understanding of the duties they swear to perform and the city the work to protect.

Thanks to the advent and integration of DVD and Internet, this important task for police is now a lot simpler, more time efficient and cost effective. The San Jose Police Department and WebDVD publisher Lobitos Creek Ranch studios joined forces to create a recruiting video on WebDVD covering the requirements and considerations for joining one of the most respected law enforcement agencies in the country. Through this multifaceted WebDVD, potential recruits meet the men and women of the San Jose force while learning about many opportunities and benefits.

"We really needed to eliminate the hit and miss nature of recruiting and reduce the budgetary burden and demand for manpower that would normally be expended on recruiting," explains Officer Tim Jackson. "The WebDVD solved many of the problems associated with recruiting by delivering detailed, comprehensive answers to the multitude of questions potential recruits have, particularly out-of-state applicants who want to know about the population, climate, lifestyle, cost-of-living and other factors."

Links to pertinent San Jose websites allow the applicants to gather all the information and complete and submit all the forms, including signing up for various tests. A section of how to use the disc directs applicants to place the DVD in their computer and log on using their own browser to the websites provided. A prospect is able to complete his or her application on-line without filling out any paperwork.

The DVD integrates over 20 video modules comprising two full hours of video, giving recruits a complete visual and audio tour of the San Jose department as officer from the 1400 member staff speak candidly about their departments, as well as showing officers and recruits in action. The DVD contains both original and archived content including 1800s-era photographs of the city and police department as well as scenes of tests and training exercises. San Jose has one of the lowest crime rates in the country, and being in Silicon Valley, the city has been a leader in introducing new technology to police activities. They were among the first to introduce dispatch centers and two-way communications with patrol cars. So it is no surprise that they would be a leader in the area of WebDVD training.

Harrison Eccles is a freelance writer working in Los Angeles