‘Historic’ recruitment crisis requires culture shift

Police departments are struggling with a “historic crisis in recruiting and retaining” officers, the Justice Department said in October. Though hiring reportedly rebounded in 2022, agencies are losing officers faster than they can replace them, according to a survey of 182 police agencies across 38 states and Washington from the Police Executive Research Forum.

Alex Johnston, co-founder of Epic Recruiting, said when departments approach his company for help with marketing, attracting diverse candidates is often a priority.

“If this next generation doesn’t choose law enforcement, then we’re in a really not only dangerous path, but also a path that’s probably going to end in further inequity,” said Andy Saunders, co-founder of New Blue, which supports officers interested in reform.

Some departments are offering as much as $75,000 in signing bonuses to attract recruits, but Saunders said more money may not be enough to attract diverse candidates.

When New Blue launched, Saunders said he tried to recruit college students of color. But an analysis found many would not commit to policing even when they were offered an extra $30,000 per year. He said one of the most powerful reasons given was fear of what their loved ones would think of them.

Saunders said some departments have also tried to attract diverse talent by relaxing grooming requirements or updating the application process. But “allowing tattoos and dreadlocks does not make Gen Z say, ‘Oh, that was the thing holding me back,’ ” he said. “It’s the deeper values.”