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.
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.
Resources Related to 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.