For the first time in several years, the Bowling Green Police Department has filled all available officer positions.

Former Chief Bill Waltrip was able to get to full staffing only once, said current Chief Doug Hawkins.

Hugh England, a former officer with the department who was recently an officer with the Glasgow Police Department, was hired Tuesday after being approved by city commission.

England’s hiring brings the department to a full staff of 109 officers for the first time in several years.

“A big part of the problem is that there are always going to be retirements and a few resignations,” Hawkins said. “It takes at least a year from when someone starts the hiring process to get them out on the street.”

The goal over the next few years is to remain as close as possible to a full staffing level, he said.

Monday, Mayor Elaine Walker will swear in a recent academy graduate, along with England.

“It’s so nice. We’ve been working for some time to have a full complement of officers,” Walker said.

Most losses at the department come through retirements, Walker said. Few officers leave the city to work for another department.

The department has two hiring cycles a year and is always looking for certified officers, Hawkins said. Hiring a certified officer significantly reduces the amount of time before a new officer is on the street, because much less training is needed, he said.

Last January, the department altered its standards to apply for the department by eliminating the requirement of 60 hours of college credit, four years of military service or two years of experience as a certified police officer. The new standards require that applicants have a high school or equivalency diploma.

The department made the change to allow more people to apply to be officers. The department’s hiring standards were not reduced, Hawkins said. College, military and prior police experience continue to be an advantage for applicants during the hiring process.

The changes have nearly quadrupled the number of eligible applicants, Hawkins said.

“The changes have been integral in getting to full staffing,” he said. “When more people can apply, you’re likely to get more qualified applicants.”

Even with the change in application standards, the department remains selective about who it hires, Walker said.

“It makes it more difficult for us to hire people, but it ensures that we only get the best people,” she said.