US Police departments experience increase in officer numbers post-Covid

Law Enforcement Hiring , Increased in 2023 , Following Years of Decline. NBC reports that police departments in the United States have seen their first increase in ranks, changing course on a historic exodus of officers in recent years. According to a recent survey, 2023 saw more officers sworn in than any of the previous four years. . At the same time, the survey by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) also found that fewer law enforcement officers resigned or retired in 2023. . Law enforcement numbers had been declining following the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd. . Law enforcement numbers had been declining following the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against police brutality following the death of George Floyd. . I just think that the past four years have been particularly challenging for American policing. And our survey shows we’re finally starting to turn a corner, Chuck Wexler, Executive director of PERF, via NBC. NBC reports that declining numbers left many police departments with a shortage of officers, which resulted in slower response times. Chuck Wexler, executive director of PERF, warns that many police departments are still struggling to recruit and retain officers. According to Wexler, law enforcement , "isn't out of the woods yet.". At least a dozen smaller police departments in the nation have been forced to disband, leaving those municipalities reliant upon state or county police forces. NBC reports that in addition to increased pay and benefits, many police departments have chosen to change application requirements to increase hiring