Overview

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.
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KI Site

Charleston Police Department

The Charleston, South Carolina, Police Department (CPD) is part of the Knowledge Lab’s Knowledge and Innovation (KI) Site Network for its approach to recruitment and retention. The CPD employs people-centered practices, commitment to continuous improvement, and a focus on wellness, data use, and organizational culture. The CPD’s approach to recruitment and retention is data-driven . Their hiring process is clear, supportive, and responsive to candidates. The department’s internal culture reflects its mission to serve with respect, fairness, and compassion. Officers praise strong peer support, approachable leadership, and a sense of belonging, all of which contribute to staff recruitment, retention, and return

Self-Review Tool

The Knowledge Lab is developing an online self-review tool to help agencies reflect on their current policies and practices evaluate them against research and evidence-informed practices their performance in key areas of policing. This tool is intended to provide a snapshot of where an agency currently stands within this core practice area. There are no right or wrong answers, only an opportunity for honest reflection, learning, and continuous improvement.

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Resources Related to Recruitment and Retention

  • Reset

Webpage, Other | 2021

Building Trust Inside and Out The Challenges of Legitimacy Facing Police Leaders

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Crime and Violence Reduction
  • Public Transparency
  • Recruitment and Retention

Video | 2020

Understanding Police Culture – Don’t All Cops Think Alike?

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Recruitment and Retention

Article | 2020

Start at the Beginning: Changing Police Culture by Changing Recruit Training

  • Recruitment and Retention
  • Training and Education

Video | 2020

Promising Practices in Police Recruitment, Selection, Training, and Retention

  • Recruitment and Retention

Report | 2020

The State of Recruitment: A Crisis for Law Enforcement

  • Recruitment and Retention

Report | 2018

Critical Response Technical Assistance: Review of the Dearborn Police Department’s Policies and Practices Related to Use of Force, Recruiting and Hiring, and Community Partnerships

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Recruitment and Retention
  • Use of Force

Report | 2017

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

  • Recruitment and Retention

Article | 2016

Managing Police Departments Post-Ferguson

  • Community Trust and Partnerships
  • Public Transparency
  • 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.

Explore the Complete Resources Library

Access the complete Resources Library to explore a wide range of strategies, tools, and best practices that support agencies, practitioners, and communities.