Meeting Their Needs: Evaluating Agency-Specific Workplace Factors to Enhance Officer Retention Strategies

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

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to support the development of a comprehensive evaluation report of officer retention factors within a single mid-size municipal police department. Participants were identified as sworn officers up to the rank of Sergeant (N =367). Using both Likert-scale and open-ended survey responses, perceptions of workplace factors were evaluated against officer retention decisions. Inferential findings identified moderate-low correlations between workplace factors and retention, and suggested Employee Needs to be a significant predictor of retention decisions. Findings are discussed with a policy implication lens, to include procedure adaptation, strategy development for officer feedback, and organization responsivity.

Author

• Ashleigh Wojslawowicz, Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council