Police officers are essential in keeping our communities protected, but lately, there haven’t been as many new recruits looking to carry that torch.
At the Mercyhurst University Police Training Academy, the trends are no different, and the school’s program director said recruiting used to seem easier.
“I have a class of 14 now. At one time, years ago, we had a class of 40,” said Bill Hale, Program Director at the Mercyhurst Police Academy. “I’m seeing classes averaging roughly 20 to 25 now, which is okay.”
Three officers killed, two others injured in York County
According to a 2024 report from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, more than 70% of police agencies reported that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago, which has challenged police departments to find new recruitment strategies…