Improve law enforcement recruiting strategies to attract and retain top talent in a competitive landscape. Stand out with modernized processes and targeted outreach.
Current State of Law Enforcement Recruiting
With personnel shortages at crisis levels, law enforcement agencies must adopt a strategic approach to recruiting to attract and retain qualified personnel. Overall, the average law enforcement recruiting process is due for an upgrade.
A 2023 report by the Police Executive Research Forum found that law enforcement agencies nationwide are experiencing officer turnover at rates higher than they can recruit. Since 2019, resignations have surged by nearly 50%, while retirements have also increased by about 20% as of 2022.
Agencies are now not only competing with other departments but also facing pressure from private sector jobs offering competitive salaries, work-life balance, and modern workplace technology.
The Need to Modernize
On April 18, 2023, the U.S. Attorney General, summoned 35 attendees gathered in Washington, D.C. for a meeting organized by the COPS Office and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Their objective was to assess the condition of law enforcement recruitment and retention and to consider how these processes can be updated to align with the requirements of contemporary agencies, communities, and the workforce. One excerpt from their report particularly stands out:
“The length of time it takes a candidate to navigate the full hiring process varies across agencies from several weeks to several months. For many candidates, the longer the hiring process, the more likely they are to seek employment at other agencies with a shorter process or look outside law enforcement altogether.”
Here are five strategies to help your agency stand out in the field, bringing in recruits who are mission-focused and equipped to serve the public effectively and fast.
1. Emphasize Unique Values and Benefits
Law enforcement offers a career of service and impact that appeals to those seeking a meaningful job. Agencies can highlight these aspects by focusing on values like integrity, community trust, and protecting public safety.
Through targeted outreach, Epic enables agencies to connect with candidates in a personalized way, building a positive, impactful brand from the first interaction. Automating emails, SMS, and outreach initiatives using Epic’s tools ensures prospective hires get a clear sense of the values and opportunities unique to your agency.
With Epic’s customizable ad placements and broad reach, you can also target applicants looking for an agency that values public service, resilience, and teamwork.
2. Streamline and Modernize the Application Process
In a competitive hiring landscape, time to apply is crucial. A long, outdated application process can lose candidates to other agencies. By increasing your speed to engage, you’ll reach those candidates faster and deny other agencies to snatch them up before you do. Epic’s streamlined, mobile-friendly application lets candidates apply and/or connect with a recruiter in seconds, reducing drop-offs and making it accessible from any device—whether applicants are in a precinct lobby or on their phones at home. The simplified application process not only enhances user experience but also speeds up the entire recruitment cycle.
Epic’s candidate match scoring also enables recruiters to quickly identify qualified candidates at a glance, reducing time spent on evaluations and allowing hiring managers to focus on candidates who are the best fit for critical roles.
3. Enhance Hiring Efficiency with Automations and Collaborative Tools
Hiring the best talent requires seamless collaboration across command staff, recruiters, and HR. Epic’s platform provides a central hub where hiring managers can view candidates, conduct initial screenings, and schedule interviews without jumping between systems. Epic’s automations handle routine tasks—like scheduling for interviews or ride-a-longs, assessment follow-ups, and ongoing communication—saving time and ensuring each candidate receives prompt, professional interactions.
With data-driven analytics on speed-to-hire, cost-per-hire, and top recruitment channels, agencies can keep track of recruitment budgets and refine strategies as needed. This transparency enables command staff to see hiring progress in real-time and make timely decisions on recruitment priorities.
4. Reach a Broader Talent Pool
Finding qualified officers who are ready to serve the public requires casting a wide net. Epic allows agencies to post jobs to multiple advertising channels with a single click, helping increase reach across popular job sites and social media platforms. Plus, the platform’s built-in advertising options ensure agencies can target candidates with specialized skills or experience.
Automatic QR code generation also gives agencies further reach. Whether QR codes are used for referral programs, career events, or even agency vehicles, candidates can be directed to an open position with just a quick scan.
By reaching beyond standard job boards and career fairs, agencies can diversify their talent pool and attract recruits with unique backgrounds who can contribute fresh perspectives to the force.
5. Use Data to Optimize Recruitment Strategies
As hiring needs evolve, data becomes essential for assessing recruitment effectiveness. Epic’s customizable reports provide insight into key performance indicators like speed-to-hire and cost-per-hire, identifying bottlenecks in the hiring process and top-performing channels and helping agencies refine recruitment efforts. These reports equip agencies with a detailed view of recruiting success and areas for improvement, ensuring that resources are allocated where they’ll have the most impact.
The Future of Law Enforcement Recruiting
In a high-stakes environment where finding the right law enforcement personnel is paramount, leveraging the right technology can make all the difference. Epic combines targeted outreach, data-driven insights, and automated tools, providing law enforcement agencies with a modern recruiting platform.
By reducing application time, expanding candidate reach, and optimizing hiring workflows, Leadline ensures that your agency attracts candidates who are ready to serve, protect, and make a difference.