We hear it all the time: “There’s a recruiting crisis in law enforcement.” But after more than 400 successful campaigns, we can say with full confidence that it’s simply not true.
Whether you’re in a small Midwest town or a major East Coast city, the truth is that there is no shortage of applicants.
The real issue is that recruiting comes down to methods and processes and they better allign with who you are recruiting or there will be a problem.
The myth of a “recruiting crisis” has become a convenient excuse. It gives departments a reason to accept empty academies and recruitment failures. But we’ve seen firsthand that when you recruit the right way, candidates show up.
Recruit Like 2025
Mobile First
Your next hire is on their phone…right now. The entire candidate journey, from interest to application, must be mobile-friendly. If your process isn’t built for their screen, you’ve already lost them. Our data suggests that up to 90% of your recruits won’t leave their phone to register or go to a desktop.
Silence = Disinterest
Today’s applicants expect communication. They want updates. They want connection. If you’re not reaching out, they assume you’re not interested. Automated nurturing isn’t optional …it’s the baseline.
It’s a Job, Not a Calling…At First
Unlike previous generations, most recruits today view law enforcement as a job, not a lifelong career, at least not yet. That’s not a bad thing. But it does mean your messaging has to shift. Focus less on the pensions and more on how the job fits their current lifestyle. That’s how you get their attention and their application.
SAFEGUARD Recruiting Can Help
We aren’t another marketing firm selling web impressions and fancy videos that don’t convert. We’re a recruiting company, built by former law enforcement professionals, and we know what actually works.
If you need applicants, we’ll show you exactly why your current efforts aren’t working and what to do instead. We’ll review your current strategy, your messaging, your application process, and your digital footprint. Then we’ll give you data-driven feedback based on hundreds of campaigns across the country.
You Don’t Have a Crisis. You Have a Choice.
Reach out today for a free consultation. It’s time to start filling your academy.
