Assessing Officer Retention Intentions in a Sample of Ohio Agencies

• In Event: A Statewide Assessment of Police Recruitment and Retention in Ohio

Abstract

Police staffing challenges continue to impact agencies across the U.S., making it critical to understand factors influencing officer retention. As part of a comprehensive statewide assessment of recruitment and retention in Ohio, this study examines officer-level survey data collected from fifteen agencies. The survey explores officers’ retention intentions, perceptions of organizational culture, and attitudes toward agency policies and practices, with a focus on factors that influence officers’ career decisions. Additionally, the study considers officers' experiences with recruitment and retention bonuses and how these incentives affect their decision to remain with their agency. Findings provide insight into how agency culture and policy initiatives may impact retention and identify opportunities to strengthen officer commitment. The results contribute to ongoing discussions on effective strategies for maintaining a stable and engaged police workforce and offer practical recommendations for agencies seeking to improve retention efforts in the current policing climate.

Authors

• Brenna Dunlap, University of Cincinnati

• Jessica Huff, University of Cincinnati

• Cory P. Haberman, University of Cincinnati

• Bradley O'Guinn, University of Cincinnati

• Trey Bussey, University of Cincinnati