Police recruiting problems: A Full Measure investigation


Frederick County, Maryland Sheriff Chuck Jenkins

Police agencies coast to coast report having difficulties hiring and keeping good recruits.

That’s the findings in my six month long Full Measure investigation. I asked 30 law enforcement agencies in America’s biggest cities about their recruiting trends.

Many say the bad publicity over high profile incidents where suspects die in police custody have driven down numbers of applicants compared to a few years ago.

Authorities say young would-be recruits also worry they will be second guessed after making a split second decision and possibly not get the support of their leadership.

Some agencies have loosened requirements and raised pay.

The full results of my investigation Sunday on Full Measure.

I’ll also talk with Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) about a coronavirus concern he says has not been well-addressed: how to patrol the millions of people who legally cross our borders every day for trade and tourism on foot, in buses, on trains and in trucks.

Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas)

Also, you might be surprised to learn what happens with some money intended for charity.

And Joce Sterman reports on persistent concerns over the ever-growing national debt.

We never waste your time rehashing the same news you’ve heard all week. Find out where and when to watch on TV or online by clicking this link: How to Watch Full Measure

Fight improper government surveillance. Support Attkisson v. DOJ and FBI over the government computer intrusions of Attkisson’s work while she was a CBS News investigative correspondent. Visit the Attkisson Fourth Amendment Litigation Fund. Click here.

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3 thoughts on “Police recruiting problems: A Full Measure investigation”

  1. My experience going through the process is that there are quotas and other agendas taking place. Check out transparentcalifornia and you will see how much some officers make in overtime. Therefore, the police unions conflict with hiring more officers.
    While what is mentioned above about negative press and so forth may apply in some areas, there are many other obstacles. The old and faulty lie detector tests is another place for investigation. They are used as a way to remove applicants from being hired.
    While I respect Sharyl Attkisson’s reporting, in this case there is way more to the story.

  2. Being on the job for 34 years it appears that progressive mayors and state agency heads are looking more for diversity than the best qualified candidate. Yes provisions have been made to hire folks that have criminal histories where they would have never been hired before. In many instances the new hires have failed on the job. This may be a way to have the public have less faith in their police departments. Most qualified candidates not diversity.

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