CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — Law enforcement officials in St. Louis and St. Louis County said a streamlined application process has helped with police recruitment.

St. Louis County Chief Jon Belmar said that a county police recruitment process that once took eight to 13 months now takes about six months. Belmar said as a result, his department is about 11 officers over its authorized strength of 880, including 41 who are just starting the academy.

Belmar said resignations that peaked at a rate of 1.6 officers per week following unrest in Ferguson due to the fatal shooting of Michael Brown have slowed.

Police officials said that condensed background investigations, online applications and flexibility in candidate testing locations have also helped with recruitment.