Police agencies try new recruitment tactics to address big shortages

Michigan State Police promotes trooper openings through a billboard campaign, including one in Barry County, with Wayland Post Trooper Steffon Mayhue. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Michigan State Police promotes trooper openings through a billboard campaign, including one in Barry County, with Wayland Post Trooper Steffon Mayhue. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE MICHIGAN STATE POLICE

LANSING

There is a crisis in police agency recruitment

and retention, as almost every type of agency is short personnel, said Robert Stevenson, executive director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

Many agencies are seeking to boost applications while having to operate with officer shortages.

“Since the peak of our officer employment, which was about 22,000 or so when the 911 attacks occ…