2019 Results

Law enforcement agencies across the United States are struggling to recruit and hire police officers. Though agency-specific needs exist depending on size or locale, the difficulty with recruitment is a significant problem that is broadly affecting the field of law enforcement—it is not simply a result of poor agency management or localized failures. 

Read the full report.

2024 Survey Results

In the summer of 2024, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conducted a survey of its member agencies to better understand the challenges police agencies are facing regarding recruitment and retention. The IACP received responses from 1,158 U.S. agencies. More than 80% of these respondents were from local municipal police agencies. Highlights from the survey results include:

• Recruitment
• Hiring Processes
• Retention
• Operations
• Success Stories
• Customized Solutions

Read the full report. 

DNA evidence has proven to be invaluable in developing and exonerating suspects and in assisting Law Enforcement with providing leads to solve crimes. Rapid DNA includes a process that allows for the development of DNA profiles in an expired timeframe. This infographic, designed by the IACP Forensics Committee in collaboration with the FBI Laboratory provides guidance for processing crime scene Rapid DNA and its eligibility for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

Submitted by: IACP Division of State & Provincial Police, Roadway Safety Committee, Midsize Agencies Division, State Associations of Chiefs of Police Division

WHEREAS, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), led by the Division of State and Provincial Police, State Associations of Chiefs of Police, and the Roadway Safety Committee, recognize law enforcement leaders have an obligation to work together to reduce highway fatalities; and

WHEREAS, in 2022 over 42,000 lives were lost on US highways due to traffic related crashes and roadway fatalities; and

WHEREAS, to safeguard the public as well as first responders and other emergency personnel whose duties require them to utilize the roadside, the Division of State and Provincial Police, State Associations of Chiefs of Police, and Roadway Safety Committee will lead an effort to reduce highway fatalities by supporting the National Road to Zero campaign; and

WHEREAS, the success of this campaign will be achieved by committing to data-driven enforcement focusing on speed enforcement, and targeting impaired and distracted driving, and seat belt usage. The campaign will also include enforcement actions against the unsafe driving behaviors of the operators of large trucks and buses; and

WHEREAS, this will be accomplished through educational and awareness programs, such as the National Road to Zero campaign and the nationwide Move Over campaign, fair and equitable high-visibility traffic enforcement, and the commitment to strengthening partnerships at all levels; and

WHEREAS, every year, surface transportation is involved in thousands of train strikes at highway grade crossings and along railroad right-of-way in North America. Although highway grade crossing elimination is preferred, this is not always feasible due to engineering and other constraints. Where elimination is not possible, active warning systems and other safety measures are pursued, yet these still rely on public compliance to be effective. To further bolster highway grade crossing safety measures to reduce the risk of trespassing and train strike incidents, injuries, and fatalities, the National Road to Zero campaign introduces a human countermeasure by providing support and education to local law enforcement agencies to provide regular grade-crossing enforcement activities at data-driven sites designed to change behavior, improve safety, and reduce accidents, keeping both rail passengers and the motoring public safe; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the IACP supports the effort of the National Road to Zero campaign; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED the Drive to Save Lives/Drive to Zero campaign is a multiyear, ongoing effort by state police and highway patrols, county sheriffs, and municipal police agencies, to prevent the needless deaths that occur on roadways each year; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED the IACP recommends all nations, states, provinces, and territories participate in efforts to reduce highway fatalities.

Submitted by: Roadway Safety Committee, State & Provincial Police Division, Midsize Agencies Division, and State Associations of Chiefs of Police Division

WHEREAS, the International Association of Chiefs of Police are concerned with the safety of police officers, firefighters, other emergency workers, tow truck operators, and roadway service workers as they perform their duties on roadways; and

WHEREAS, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted, every year police officers are killed or seriously injured in struck by vehicle incidents, i.e., at the time of their deaths they were conducting traffic stops, roadblocks, directing traffic, assisting motorists, or were engaged in similar activities; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to safeguard police officers, firefighters, other emergency workers, tow truck operators, and roadway service workers whose duties require them to utilize the roadside, all 50 states and some countries have enacted Move Over legislation that typically requires motorists to either change lanes and/or slow down when approaching a law enforcement or emergency services vehicle that is parked or stopped on the roadside; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police support education and enforcement of Move Over legislation; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police support international efforts to ensure the roadside safety of police officers, firefighters, other emergency workers, tow truck operators, and roadway service workers in countries around the world.

Submitted by: Forensics Committee

WHEREAS, law enforcement plays a critical role in the response to mass disasters; and

WHEREAS, effective mass disaster response requires collaboration between multiple entities, including medical examiner and coroner offices, law enforcement agencies, emergency management organizations, and forensic science service providers; and

WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies are increasingly using Rapid DNA technology for criminal investigations, missing and unidentified remains identification, and human identification in mass disaster events; and

WHEREAS, Rapid DNA technology can provide human identification results in a matter of hours, compared to traditional laboratory DNA analysis, which can take weeks or months; and

WHEREAS, Rapid DNA devices are portable and require minimal technical expertise to operate, making them suitable for onsite use by response personnel, to include remote or resource-limited settings; and

WHEREAS, Rapid DNA technology provides accurate results that can ensure unidentified individuals are correctly identified; and

WHEREAS, Rapid DNA technology can help provide closure to families and assist in the repatriation of remains to loved ones through the use of family DNA reference samples; and

WHEREAS, forensic science service providers are uniquely qualified to provide subject matter expertise for DNA analysis in accordance with quality assurance protocols; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police encourages all law enforcement agencies to coordinate with forensic science service providers to assess whether Rapid DNA technology, complemented with traditional laboratory DNA analysis, is available for use in their jurisdiction in the event of a mass disaster; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that the IACP encourages all law enforcement agencies to incorporate Rapid DNA technology, where available, into formalized mass disaster response plans.

Submitted by: Police Physicians Section

WHEREAS behavioral health emergencies include Individuals exhibiting severe agitation. Such individuals often are resistant to efforts of control by law enforcement and frequently include irrational, combative and extremely violent behavior. This behavior places members of the public, responding law-enforcement, EMS, and other responders at significant risk of serious injury or even death; and

WHEREAS a behavioral health emergency is deemed to be primarily medical in nature and, therefore, requires emergency medical response. Individuals exhibiting such behavior often suffer from underlying metabolic and medical conditions which place them at risk for further injury or even sudden death; and

WHEREAS the challenge, complexity and high risks associated with the behavioral health emergency REQUIRE a high degree of cooperation with timely critical communication. This specifically requires free flowing dialogue between on-scene law enforcement, EMS personnel and mental health professionals. This dialogue is crucial to achieve timely control which helps assure scene safety and ultimately enhances timely care for the patient; and

WHEREAS verbal de-escalation techniques should be employed as the first and least restrictive method to gain control. However, if unsuccessful, the need for physical restraints and medication administration may not only be necessary, but clearly medically indicated in the best interest of patient care; and

WHEREAS the decision for use and administration of medication is the responsibility of the Emergency Medicine Provider and not within the purview of law enforcement personnel. However, close collaboration between on scene law enforcement and emergency medical service is critical because these situations are inherently dangerous and volatile. It is imperative to determine the safest strategy to manage the patient, assure control and establish scene safety; and

WHEREAS such collaboration requires a “Team Approach” with ongoing dialogue and clear discussion between law enforcement, emergency medical service providers and mental health providers if they are present. Such communication must be free and not encumbered or restricted by law, regulation, or the threat of loss of professional certification or criminal sanction against law enforcement personnel or any other team member; therefore be it

RESOLVED that the IACP believes law enforcement personnel, emergency medical personnel and behavioral mental health personnel should work as a Team to resolve a behavioral emergency expediently. The medical condition of the individual at risk is a primary priority of those engaged in this unique rescue; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that protocol development, training and oversite should involve a physician with demonstrable knowledge and training in the recognition, treatment, and prevention of the medical conditions that are related to Sudden Death in Custody; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that no individual should be sanctioned for the communication required to rapidly resolve these crises.