Recruitment & Personnel

Targeting, recruiting, hiring, and maintaining adept sworn law enforcement officers is one of the most important functions for the future of any agency. Law enforcement organizations must continually adapt to the needs of their community and evolve to obtain officers who possess a skill set geared toward a specific agency and community. The IACP, which continuously works to advance the goals of its members and the field, has a long history of addressing this topic in a variety of ways, such as providing model policies and resources, producing evidence-based research, and conducting promotional assessments for law enforcement agencies.

The State of Recruitment & Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Police

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…

The State of Recruitment & Retention: A Continuing Crisis for Police

Law Enforcement Recruitment Toolkit

The toolkit comprises four reports, each focusing on a different area of recruitment. The lead piece, Police Recruitment: Foundation Concepts, describes police departments’ changing recruitment…

Law Enforcement Recruitment Toolkit

For several years now, agencies have been reporting that they struggle with finding qualified recruits. New officers try policing and realize it’s not for them for a number of reasons, and this speaks to the importance of portraying an honest picture of policing, and recruiting the right people from the very beginning. Smart recruiting leads to better retention.

The IACP has put together a video to help recruit people into the profession. The intention is that agencies will take the video, add their own call-to-action at the end, and customize this video to meet your needs. To do so, simply scan the QR code at the end to access the video, and download for your agency's use.

Innovations in Recruitment, Retention, and Workforce Development
This project provides resources and support for police agencies to enhance recruitment, retention, and workforce development efforts.

Policy Center Resources

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Policy Center Resource

Employee Drug Use

The critical mission of law enforcement establishes a compelling need to maintain a drug-free work environment. Employees who engage in unauthorized use of controlled substances...

Policy Center Resource

Investigation of Allegations of Employee Misconduct

Law enforcement employees should take a professional, victim-centered approach to sexual assaults and to proactively investigate these crimes and prosecute the perpetrator in a manner...

Policy Center Resource

Grooming and Appearance

The professional and uniform appearance of officers furthers the goals of law enforcement agencies by projecting a positive and professional image to the public. Appearance standards...