USA (Washington Insider Magazine) —After years of officer shortages, U.S. police departments are experiencing a notable increase in hiring, according to a survey by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). The 2023 data reveals a rise in new recruits and a decline in resignations and retirements, marking the first significant staffing gains since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death.
Key Survey Insights
- Hiring Surge: More officers were hired in 2023 than in any of the previous four years.
- Fewer Departures: Resignations dropped by over 20%, and retirements also decreased, though smaller departments continue to face challenges.
- Retention Strategies: Departments have increased pay, offered signing bonuses, and relaxed certain hiring requirements, such as allowing visible tattoos.
Challenges Persist
While the overall trend is positive, large departments remain below pre-pandemic staffing levels, and smaller agencies struggle to compete with incentives offered by larger cities. At least a dozen small departments have disbanded, leaving communities to rely on state or county law enforcement.
Maria “Maki” Haberfeld, a policing expert at John Jay College, warns that efforts to boost numbers must not come at the cost of lowering training and educational standards. “Policing requires emotional intelligence and maturity, not just physical qualifications,” she said.
Broader Implications
The shift in hiring and retention reflects a changing public and political discourse around policing. PERF’s Executive Director Chuck Wexler noted, “We’ve moved from discussions of defunding the police to recognizing the critical need for well-staffed public safety departments.”
While progress is evident, experts caution that public attitudes can shift rapidly, and sustained efforts are required to ensure the gains are not reversed.
