Police Recruitment
From attracting qualified candidates and telling an authentic agency story to streamlining hiring processes and building long-term career pathways, departments are rethinking how they recruit and retain the next generation of officers. The Police Recruitment topic page explores how agencies are modernizing recruitment, with practical insights for leaders navigating staffing shortages, community expectations and the realities of building a sustainable workforce.
Nearly 600 female officers share the factors that helped and hindered their path into law enforcement, offering actionable recommendations to improve recruitment and inclusion
Cash payouts may look like a retention solution, but they drain budgets, hurt morale and attract the wrong people
Actionable strategies for trainers and FTOs to boost resilience and confidence in today’s young officers
Our experts weigh in on the top essential tools rookies need to ensure efficiency, comfort and safety on the job
Download this in-depth analysis of Police1’s State of the Industry survey on officer wellbeing
Closing two Oakland police academies would save the city approximately $3.5 million; freezing 78 officer positions would save about $23 million
"[The psychologists] were...making decisions on candidates we would have otherwise said gave acceptable responses,” Chief Larry Scirotto stated
As much as surges in crime are principle to more overtime, so is staffing, department leadership says
It’s recommended the city continues using its current test, developed in 2012, and looks to 2025 to make a change
“Our staffing levels have reached a point where our primary focus must be on ensuring the minimal coverage necessary to keep our community safe,” a letter from Fulton PD states
‘There’s no playbook for this': Philadelphia police district will triple with arrival of 75 recruits
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the new officers will patrol the Kensington area on foot and bicycle, and begin enforcing stricter drug laws this summer
Funaiock discusses her role as a police captain, how SWAT prepared her for leadership and her vision for women’s roles and promotion in law enforcement
Meet Alison Funaiock: Newport News Police Department’s trailblazing captain, former SWAT sniper and community advocate
“I hope that we are able to work together as a team to make Seattle Police Department the most attractive department for women to come to work,” interim Chief Sue Rahr said
Officials said the return-to-work officers will earn $31.89 an hour for their first year back, including longevity pay once the hiring packet is completed
The study analyzed data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine which states experienced the highest and lowest growth rates between 2022 and 2023
“I have real concerns with the numbers on the police force, but the only thing we can do is put our efforts toward the recruiting process,” Councilman Anthony Coghill said
The Raleigh Police Department has between 80 and 90 vacancies, while the Durham County Sheriff’s Office has a 37% vacancy rate
The new legislation encourages a change in testing methods and adds new recruiting staff members with the goal of responding to applicants faster
The public expects police to be professionals — police agencies should expect no less from the psychologists who evaluate their personnel
The 2023 law set aside money to expedite training for Washington State Patrol recruits who are already certified law enforcement officers
The city council budgeted funding for 720 officers this year, but 296 positions remain unfilled
Currently, the Minneapolis Police Department is grappling with a shortage of over 200 officers, having lost 40% of its force in the past four years
This seasoned police veteran and aspiring congresswoman outlines her vision for restoring and enhancing public safety and law enforcement support
The new contract raises starting pay for Seattle Police Department officers from $83,000 to $103,000, with a raise after six months up to $110,000
“Work in Wyoming, where breaking the law is still illegal & cops are funded!” the billboard commissioned by Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak reads
Chief Wayne Jones said the cruiser represents the PD’s “dedication to recruiting the best and brightest individuals to serve our community”
Agency leadership needs to trust the judgment of training personnel and deal with small problems before they become big ones
Twenty-three candidates will be given the opportunity to take a new psychological test as the city reviews the evaluation process to ensure fairness
The survey looks at three key areas: opportunity and competition, law enforcement training requirements, and job hazards and protections
Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke recently responded to a call involving an armed suspect himself because there were no deputies available to send to the scene
Most agencies conduct exit interviews when employees leave, but why wait until someone quits?
Feedback from officers in Police1’s State of the Industry survey reveals widespread dissatisfaction, with many planning to leave their positions and hesitating to recommend law enforcement as a career choice
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- San Diego considers hiring more civilian workers to cut OT costs, sparking depate between city, PD
- Ga. sheriff requests $2M in additional funding after deputies go without paid overtime
- Calif. sheriff’s office ends mandatory overtime
- Baltimore PD steps up recruiting efforts after spending $64M on officer OT pay in 2024
- ‘Unrivaled Since 1869’: LAPD launches campaign aiming to recruit younger people to join ranks