Leadership

Police Retention and Career Perceptions: An 8-City Study of Officer Turnover

Location: Ballroom A1, KBHCC

Charlie Scheer

Associate Professor
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States
Jerry Peters

Deputy Chief of Police
Thornton Police Department
Thornton, Colorado, United States
Walter Melnyk

Lieutenant
Bryan Police Department
Bryan, Texas, United States
Joseph Hayer

Commander
Frederick Police Department
Frederick, Maryland, United States

“Police Retention and Career Perceptions” is a national study of officer retention trends which collected data from sworn officers employed at eight large and mid-size cities. The year-long study, one of the first line-level examinations of police officer retention, investigated reasons why officers want to separate from, or remain employed with, the agencies where they work. Results indicate a variety of reasons why officers either leave or stay in policing or are attracted to relocate, including supervision, lifestyle adjustments, impressions of public support, and physical or legal risk. Representatives from the participating agencies will discuss strategies they use to address officer turnover, including employee engagement and creation of a positive workplace environment.