Police Recruitment and Retention Glossary

ANALYTICAL REPORTS are original research studies that analyze, assess, and/or evaluate issues pertaining to police recruitment and retention.

BRIEFINGS are presentations offered at conferences, seminars, and other events that succinctly summarize key police personnel issues and strategies.

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES are programs for police agencies and officers, conferences, training sessions, funding opportunities, and important activities and events that are associated with recruitment and retention.

DATA are datasets that assist all forms of personnel planning, such as employment and policies of police agencies and characteristics of communities.

FIELD EXPERIENCES are interviews with and commentary from police practitioners. These highlight experiences and observations regarding recruitment and retention as voiced directly by the law enforcement community. The interviews are conducted by Center on Quality Policing staff.

IN THE NEWS are notable news stories featured in media throughout the United States about issues related to police staffing and workforce development.

PROMISING PRACTICES are guides and commentary that present ways to improve police recruitment and retention generally and workforce diversity specifically, both in the United States and abroad. These include guides developed for other professions (e.g., military, health, education) that may offer lessons for the law enforcement community.

TOOLS AND MODELS are tools that assist practitioners, such as those that help target recruiting efforts, assess personnel needs, gauge goal accomplishment, and offer step-by-step guidance.

WEBSITES are internet portals to organizations with resources relevant to police staffing issues.