Police recruitment has a messaging problem, not a purpose problem

Police agencies of every size are still struggling to fill their ranks, even with hiring bonuses, new recruiting campaigns, and a stronger social media presence. The question underneath all of it is whether agencies are trying to recruit a new generation into an old model of leadership. What do millennials and Gen Z actually want from a career in law enforcement, and what makes a young officer decide an agency is a place to build a career rather than a stop on the way to somewhere else?

In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with Dr. Nicole Cain, assistant professor in the School of Security and Global Studies at American Military University and a veteran with more than 25 years in law enforcement. Cain’s research focuses on recruitment and retention, and she argues that policing doesn't have a purpose problem, it has a messaging problem. She and Dudley discuss why retention has to come before recruitment, how a cultural assessment can show leaders where they stand, and which leadership behaviors make young officers want to stay. They also cover practical ideas, from storytelling and community partnerships to high school academies and paid internships, that can bring in people who are a good fit for the job.

About our sponsor

American Military University supports law enforcement professionals with flexible online programs designed around the demands of the job. Whether you’re looking to grow your own career or support the development of your officers, the Everyday Heroes Grant provides eligible first responders and their families with a 20% tuition grant. Students may also be eligible to transfer up to 45 credits for academy training, prior education, and professional experience, helping them start ahead and finish sooner. Learn more at PublicSafetyAtAMU.com.