Law enforcement — along with many other fields in the public sector — has struggled to hire enough staff. While 2023 saw staffing increases after years of decline, police departments around the country continue to see shortages in critical areas.
For many younger Americans, becoming a police officer is no longer an appealing career path. They may shy away from policing for a variety of reasons. For some, the image of police has taken a hit due to high-profile shootings. Others express financial concerns, while many young people have expectations that law enforcement cannot meet, such as remote work.
Full story: Why It’s So Hard to Recruit Police Officers