Strength or Strategy? Assessing the Effects of Hiring Standard Reductions on Police Use of Force

• In Event: Police Training and Use of Force

Abstract

This study examines the impact of reduced hiring standards in law enforcement agencies, specifically the elimination of educational and physical fitness requirements on the frequency and severity of use-of-force incidents. Using a quantitative comparative analysis, this research evaluates official use-of-force reports from the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Chicago Police Department (CPD) between 2019 and 2024. The study aims to determine whether policy changes in hiring criteria correlate with significant variations in the number and severity of reported use-of-force incidents. The research instrument, a structured data collection tool, categorizes use-of-force incidents by type, severity, and justification, providing a standardized means of measurement. Statistical analyses will assess potential relationships between hiring standard reductions and policing outcomes, offering empirical insights into how recruitment policy changes may influence officer conduct. Findings from this study will contribute to the ongoing discourse on law enforcement reform, providing data-driven evidence for policymakers and law enforcement leaders considering adjustments to recruitment and training standards. Ultimately, this research seeks to inform strategies that balance workforce expansion with public safety and professional accountability.

Author

• Jillian E. Snider, Nova Southeastern University / John Jay College of Criminal Justice / R Street Institute