How to Implement BJA/COPS Recruitment Recommendations
2/22/2024
Recruiting police officers has posed a persistent challenge over the past five to 10 years, and this trend is expected to persist for many departments in 2024. A recent report by BJA/COPS Office titled "Recruitment and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency" offers valuable insights and recommendations that can be promptly adopted to bolster recruitment efforts. These recommendations aren't just theoretical; they are based on practical considerations and the current dynamics of law enforcement. They demonstrate a thorough understanding of the complexities of contemporary policing and the evolving skill sets demanded in the profession.
The following three strategies outlined in the BJA/COPS Office report are particularly vital for immediate implementation in 2024 to enhance police officer recruitment:
1. Community Needs: The initial approach entails fostering a thorough and significant interaction with the community to grasp their anticipations and requirements from local Law Enforcement. Harmonize the goals of the police department with the community it serves. Collect feedback from different sectors of the community and guarantee that the recruitment process is reflective of the varied needs and anticipations of the town or city.
*How To: PoliceApp's Recruit Lead Management takes this recommendation a step further. Historically police departments have been held to task for not doing enough to recruit individuals who reflect the community at large. Beyond listening, PoliceApp provides tools that encourage community groups and organizations to participate directly in the recruitment process. With built in metrics each group will know how many individuals they recruited and ultimately if those individuals were hired. Let the responsibility and accountability of recruiting become a community endeavor.
2. Revamp Eligibility Criteria: The second approach concentrates on modernizing the eligibility prerequisites for potential recruits. This is essential to align the recruitment procedure with the current responsibilities and obstacles encountered by law enforcement officers. Find a balance between department rigorous standards and adjusting those standards to mirror modern societal “norms”. Implementing this strategy underscores inclusivity and flexibility in the recruitment process.
*How To: PoliceApp.com provides police departments the opportunity to showcase modern eligibility criteria to candidates. Our platform allows departments to create a dedicated directory page highlighting their values, mission, and unique agency culture. With paid campaign options, departments can amplify their message to a broader audience, ensuring that their modern standards for recruitment are effectively communicated. By leveraging PoliceApp.com tools, departments can attract candidates aligned with their values and equipped to meet the challenges of contemporary policing.
3. Streamline the hiring process: The third approach involves enhancing efficiency and reducing the complexity of the hiring process for applicants. In a competitive job market, a prolonged recruitment process can discourage potential recruits. Streamlining this process isn't solely about speed but also about enhancing applicant experience and effectiveness! It includes utilizing technology, reassessing the frequency and methods of assessment, and possibly offering interim employment options for recruits awaiting academy training commencement.
*How To: PoliceApp minimizes redundancies and simplifies communication between applicants and departments, PoliceApp enhances organization, saves time, and increases efficiency. Our platform facilitates improved candidate communication and engagement, empowering departments to efficiently navigate the recruitment process and attract top talent!
Implementing the above strategies demands a proactive and innovative approach, guaranteeing that the police force not only recruits qualified individuals but also assembles a team that mirrors and addresses the needs of the community it serves!
References:
Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 2023. Recruitment and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency: Revised. Washington, DC: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.