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By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal

Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland has given the green light for an advertising blitz aimed at recruiting more police officers.

The city on Tuesday executed a $400,000 contract for a "Greatest Career Choice in Law Enforcement" campaign with Bartlett-based Kelley & Associates Advertising, according to the city's contract records. The contract is for one year, with two one-year extensions.

The mass-media campaign comes as Strickland seeks to shore up the ranks of the Police Division, which is more than 400 officers short of its authorized complement following cuts to pension and health benefits.

The request for proposals (RFP), which the city released in November, said the campaign will include "heavy saturation of local television and radio advertising; community and multicultural newspapers and magazines serving the Mid-South area, an increased web and social media presence along with citywide placement of multiple billboards, transit buses and shelters."

The campaign will also include direct mailings and handouts — all while acknowledging the city's "budgetary constraints," according to the RFP.

The RFP said the campaign will "effectively target and attract Caucasian females; Hispanics; multi-cultural persons; and bilingual candidates" to reflect the city's diversity.

This story will be updated as more information is available.