Over the last four years, the economic downturn has impacted every employer—public, private, and nonprofit. During this time, law enforcement agencies have been forced to endure furloughs, freezes, and layoffs. Poor economic conditions are forcing agencies to reassess their service delivery strategies to effectively respond to their communities’ needs. In order to successfully face current and future challenges, agencies are more dependent than ever before on high-quality officers being recruited and retained.

Leaders cannot expect their organizations to provide exceptional service with average or mediocre employees. The competencies required for good officers such as integrity, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills, and oral and written communication proficiencies are the same abilities needed by most employers. Because of this, police agencies have to aggressively compete with many other employers—including the private sector, the military, and other law enforcement agencies—for the best talent.