Why Do Women Leave? Utilizing Exit Interview Data to Understand Police Women’s Experiences

• In Event: Women in Policing: Breaking Barriers and Blazing a Path

Abstract

Widespread retention challenges having plagued police agencies throughout the country for the last few years, creating challenges to effective policing and increasing stress for remaining police agency staff. Yet, very little research to date has been conducted to identify solutions. To remedy this, RTI International and 30x30 are conducting a study funded by the National Institute of Justice to better understand specific causes of turnover, identify promising solutions, and test policy and practice changes to improve retention. As part of this study, we are analyzing exit interview data from twelve 30x30 agencies of different sizes and types from various regions of the country. Specifically, we are examining commonly cited reasons for leaving, factors that officers reported enjoying about their jobs, and the recommendations they made to their agencies for improving the work environment. We present results for all officers as well as an analysis of differences by gender, tenure, and other personal characteristics. We conclude with concrete recommendations for agencies on how to use exit interview data to improve retention.

Keywords: turnover, women in policing, retention

Authors

• Jenn Rineer, RTI International

• Travis Taniguchi, Consultant

• Elise Kratzer, RTI International

• Tanya Meisenholder, New York University

• Zollie Saxon, RTI International