Police Departments nationwide say they are facing a critical staffing shortage.

And the Honolulu Police Department says they are stepping up efforts to reach their recruitment goals.

But they're not the only ones.

The FBI, US Marshals, and HPD were at Chaminade University, along with the Seattle Police Department offering more money to local officers and those considering joining their department.

This is the kind of person, police departments say they want in their department.. navy background as well as a student majoring in "criminal justice."

"After getting out and the military, I have to find a job with a comparable salary to the standard of living," says David Tramill, Law Enforcement Candidate.

Which takes Hawaii out of the equation for him.

"Hawaii is a great place to live. I would love to be here to be a law enforcement agent if the salary was able to support my family," adds Tramill.

Active duty police officers today, who didn't want to be on camera, told us the salary here cannot support their families.

Something the Seattle Police Department heard many times, as officers decided to explore their options.

"When they see our pay scale and they ask what the cost of living is to compare, it's like 'woah' I can do so much," says Monique Avery, with the Seattle Police Department.

The starting salary at HPD is just over $43,000, starting when they begin the 5 month recruit training.

But the Seattle Police dDepartment is offering more than $47,000 and a $5000 signing bonus, or $5000 in moving expenses for current officers looking to make a lateral move.

"The cost of living is substantially less," adds Avery.

"Well you know money isnt' everything. It's the quality of life we have. So when you're taking a look at things you always have to take a look at the big picture," states Lt. Letha Decaires, with the Honolulu Police Department.

HPD has also been recruiting on the mainland in places like Portland, San Diego, and Las Vegas...looking for people with hawaii ties that may want to come back home.

The HPD exam is coming up on March 1, 2008. The deadline to apply is February 8th.

The Seattle PD will administer tests on February 9th at Chaminade University, Room 201, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome.