The recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel are vital to creating a workforce equipped to meet the demands of modern policing. Modern and effective recruitment efforts promote an environment of professional excellence, continuous learning, and career development opportunities.

A group of police officers in uniform engaging in a focused discussion outdoors. They are wearing badges and tactical gear, including body cameras and radios.

Resources Related to Recruitment and Retention

Visit the Knowledge Lab’s full resource index here.

  • Implementation Tools

  • Type of product

  • Audience

  • Reset

Article | 2019

Cultural Diversity and Cultural Competency for Law Enforcement

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Recruitment and Retention

Report | 2017

Hiring for the 21st Century Law Enforcement Officer: Challenges, Opportunities, and Strategies for Success

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Recruitment and Retention

Article | 2016

Ten Best Ways to Build a Quality Achievement: Work Culture in Law Enforcement Agencies

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Officer Safety and Wellness
  • Recruitment and Retention
A Law Enforcement Officer's Duty Belt

Report | 2016

An Evidence-Assessment of the Recommendations of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing

  • Crime and Violence Response
  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Mental Health and Crisis Response
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Use of Force
  • Officer Safety and Wellness
  • Public Transparency
  • Recruitment and Retention

Guidebook/Tool, Report, Training | 2015

Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Officer Safety and Wellness
  • Public Transparency
  • Recruitment and Retention

Guidebook/Tool | 2010

Boston Police Department Enhancing Cultures of Integrity: Technical Assistance Guide

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Response to Mass Demonstrations
  • Use of Force
  • Recruitment and Retention

The information provided within these modules has been gathered from various sources, including legal reviews, research, and practitioner and department-developed resources. These webpage modules are intended to be a guide for departments to use to improve their policing practices. Additional information and resources may be needed to implement the recommendations successfully. This resource is intended to be dynamic, and the Knowledge Lab will continue to update and add to these modules to provide additional and current guidance for departments.

Empowering Law Enforcement Excellence

A Beacon of Guidance at the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab

Explore targeted areas such as crime and violence reduction, use of force accountability and early intervention, and recruitment and retention. Elevate your agency's performance with our guidance and support.