Police work, always a tough job, has come under increased scrutiny in recent years—and this scrutiny has contributed to the recruiting challenges law enforcement agencies face.
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Study Findings
A study conducted by Axon, a provider of connected law enforcement technology, in conjunction with Wakefield Research, a provider of market research, finds a reduction in the number of new applications to law enforcement agencies. More than half of 200 responding agencies nationwide, 54 percent, say the number of job applications to their department has decreased in the last five years. Meanwhile, 83 percent of officers surveyed think that it will be even more difficult to recruit new candidates in the next five years.
And that’s not all.
“Eighty-seven percent of officers say that recruiting seems more difficult today than it was five years ago, and 81 percent say that they would benefit from having more recruiting resources,” said Rick Smith, CEO and founder of Axon. “It’s obvious from these numbers that law enforcement needs support now more than ever.”
Finding Solutions
In response to the study, Axon, which provides a network of devices, apps, and people that helps law enforcement become smarter and safer, has launched the “I’m In” Recruiting Campaign to help raise awareness and provide agencies with new tools to recruit the next generation of police.
“With the ‘I’m In’ campaign, we aim to showcase a clear vision for the future of police work, and help inspire the next generation of young people to connect and serve in their communities,” said Smith.
The campaign, unveiled at this year’s International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in Philadelphia, features a recruiting video that depicts how officers connected to better technology can focus less on paperwork and more on making connections with their community. For many, community involvement is the most rewarding part of a career in law enforcement.
Axon has made the video, along with recruiting posters, available to agencies who sign up for the “I’m In” campaign. The company indicates that more assets will become available as it engages with customers to learn what tools and resources law enforcement agencies need most to amplify their recruiting efforts.
Lessons for Hiring Companies
Emphasizing how technology eliminates tedious aspects of a job allows a company to cast a position differently.
By highlighting the most desirable aspects of a job, a company generates more interest.
Additionally, videos that show employees at work help candidates relate to the job.