WACO (June 3, 2009)--While some larger police departments in Central Texas say they're seeing a spike in the number of police officer applicants, their smaller neighbors are having trouble keeping up.

A slow economy and large numbers of troops returning from deployments have added to the law enforcement applicant pool.

The Bellmead, Harker Heights and Killeen Poilce Departments say they're seeing a fairly significant increase in the number of applications received, and attribute the rise to those two factors.

However, Lorena, McGregor and Waco's Departments say, they are aggressively seeking more candidates.

The main obstacles for smaller departments are lower pay, less benefits, and commuting costs and obscurity as deterrents.

But a new bill passed by the Texas Legislature might help.

Texas House Bill 2580, which is waiting for Gov. Perry's signature, calls for development and promotion of a statewide employment Internet site on which law enforcement job openings from around the state would be posted.

The site would also run applicants through background checks, saving departments time and money later on.

The bill has the support of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, and Charlie Wilkinson of that group, says it would make it easier for out of town candidates to apply.

"In the past, employees have had to go from city to city to apply and we're hoping that, if this bill passes, they can apply online,” he said.