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.
Pushing decision-making power down to the front line empowers people and fosters buy-in
A faster, simpler and more secure method helps departments get qualified bodies on the streets
Overworked, underpaid and outnumbered — rangers and officers are fighting to keep America’s wild places safe
Sixteen officers retook psychological exams and were cleared for active duty again after passing them
Dubbed “Norfolk’s finest,” officers Sean Gilley and Anthony Marquez were catapulted to internet fame after a Facebook photo of the pair went viral
The “Before the Badge” program explores how people’s experiences can influence how they react when a cop knocks on their door
The review found that these officers perform duties that in other cities are done by civilians
Eleven officers were sworn in moments after the town manager pleaded with elected officials to delay the department’s launch
Federal judge overseeing reforms to department praised changes, citing progress in hiring
Marcus Applefield, 26, wanted to become a sheriff’s deputy after suffering a life-altering injury
Hundreds of officers are out on injury claims, meaning the force is nearly 1,300 officers short of its full complement of 6,380
Disparities between the learning requirements of high school and those of the academy can cause recruits to struggle
Deputy Toya Adams worked her way from the jail kitchen to a sheriff’s deputy
“Nice try, East Point Police. B+ for effort! Thanks for playing,” the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office wrote
The clarification comes after Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the cancellation might become a possibility due to officer shortage
The previous height requirement for female officers joining Spain’s police force was set at 5 feet 3 inches tall
The city would become the first in the nation with a childcare center for children of police personnel
“We’re doing the best we can, and we are doing far and beyond what we can,” a deputy said
With no age limit to join the LAPD, Officer Miguel Camarena says, “You’re never too old to pursue your dreams”
Turns out not every cop is a recruiter; here’s how to focus on those officers who will recommend a law enforcement career
A three-year program teaches Toledo high schoolers about careers in public safety
A police consultant audits and analyzes a department to help improve its overall performance and efficiency
Kylie McCaughey, now 19 years old, was hired by the Marion Police Department fresh out of high school
The report also broke rankings down into more granular categories
An internal survey assessment may be the key to finding out insights on the successes and pain points within your department
Baton Rouge’s police force had 113 vacancies last fall — the most of any point since 2015
Officers can use the network to improve their professional development and search for career opportunities – both during their policing career and post-retirement
The mayor outlined a variety of public safety initiatives, including one where the city reaches 4,000 sworn officers
Aleksandr Tsikhotskiy, 23, says the academy rigor in Massachusetts helps to keep his mind off the war
How will issues like police reform, staffing challenges and cybersecurity shape the future of the profession?
Councilmembers criticized the former mayor’s actions on Tuesday, saying she illegally authorized the payments to continue into the new year
Unlike most agencies, Summerville PD has few problems in finding and hiring top-quality candidates to the force. Here are some of the reasons Summerville PD is competing favorably for talent.
Officials pointed to an increase in violent crime in specific counties and across the state in recent years
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- NYC mayor announces funding for 2 additional NYPD academy classes to graduate in 2025
- IACP 2024 Quick Take: How the Rapid City Police Department turned the tide on recruitment and retention
- WalletHub releases ‘Best and Worst States to be a Cop’ survey for 2024
- 5 questions answered about pre-employ psych testing for cops
- Houston mayor seeks exception to legal carrying age to recruit officer candidates out of high school