Don’t Break Up, Break Even: Examining the Relationship Between Recruit Characteristics and Officer Retention

• In Event: NIJ’s LEADS Scholars Panel: Promoting Effective Management and Officer Retention within Law Enforcement Agencies

Abstract

Police agencies in the U.S. face a recruitment and retention crisis, resulting in significant losses of investment when officers leave early. Despite this challenge, research on effective retention strategies is limited. This study analyzes 20 years of administrative data from a Midwestern police agency, examining how recruit characteristics—such as age and geographic origin—affect retention. Findings indicate that younger recruits and those from within the state or from hometowns over 300 miles away are less likely to leave early. This research provides a data-driven basis for improving recruitment and retention strategies.

Authors

• Linda Phiri, Georgetown Law Center for Innovations in Community Safety

• Kimberly Alan, Madison Police Department