The days of law enforcement agencies sitting back and waiting for applications are over. While some blame that on an overall police recruiting crisis, many understand that effective police recruiting processes can significantly increase applications.
I have discussed the incredible success of SAFEGUARD Recruiting many times, but that success hurt them early on. Jake Peters leads digital recruiting at SAFEGUARD Recruiting, and he tells me that one of their first clients convinced them they needed to implement an applicant-tracking system.
Peters told me that his team had sent over 200 candidates to a small agency in a month, and while he told the client to be prepared, they clearly weren’t. After receiving more candidates in a month than they had in the last few years, the agency had only one part-time recruiter to keep up with the names, and their frustration led them to abandon the campaign.
The experience helped push Peters and his team to develop an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) for their future clients.
Applicant Tracking System
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software application designed to manage and streamline the hiring process. It enables organizations to handle job applications and manage recruitment efforts electronically. Robust yet easy to use, SAFEGUARD developed an Applicant Tracking System that automatically places candidates in the system and sends immediate text and email messages to candidates.
Communication
SAFEGUARD Recruiting uses its copyright experts to build emails and texts for each client, and the recruiter can bulk-send texts and emails to candidates at the recommended intervals. Recruiters can communicate with individuals within the ATS, and all such communication remains available for the chain of command to review and rate each candidate.
Peters explained that the new generation of employees requires constant communication to stay engaged, and the system enables that in just a few minutes a day for the agency.
Job Posting
While SAFEGUARD Recruiting has pioneered finding police candidates across the country, once the job description is placed in the ATS, that description and job are automatically posted on over 20 job boards, and those applicants are also sent directly into the digital platform.
Candidate Screening and Evaluation
Each step of the hiring process is documented within the Applicant Tracking System, and any document associated with the individual client can be uploaded by the agency or applicant at each step. Peters tells us that one of the most popular sections of their system is the rating system that the chain of command can review and comment on. “With one click, the agency can see every detail of the applicant, including all communication,” according to Peters.
Efficient Interview Scheduling and Communication
Coordinating interviews for multiple candidates can be a logistical challenge. SAFEGUARD’s system simplifies this by offering embedded calendars and interview scheduling features. This not only saves time but also enhances the candidate experience by making the process more convenient and user-friendly.
Moreover, the ATS facilitates seamless communication between recruitment teams and candidates. Automated email templates and notifications ensure that candidates are kept informed throughout the process, from application receipt to final decision. This transparency builds trust and keeps candidates engaged.
Data-Driven Decision Making
An ATS provides robust reporting and analytics features that offer valuable insights into the police recruiting process. Recruitment teams can track key metrics such as the number of applications received, the average time to hire, the sources of successful candidates, and more. These insights enable police departments to make data-driven decisions, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their recruitment strategies.
Ensuring Compliance and Security
Law enforcement agencies must adhere to strict regulations and standards in their hiring processes. An ATS ensures compliance by maintaining accurate records of all recruitment activities, from job postings to final hiring decisions. This is particularly important for audits and legal compliance. Furthermore, the Safeguard Recruiting platform prioritizes data security, ensuring that sensitive candidate information is protected. With robust security measures in place, law enforcement agencies can mitigate the risk of data breaches and maintain the confidentiality and integrity of candidate information.
Conclusion
SAFEGUARD Recruiting has revolutionized every step of the police recruiting process and has expanded to include background checks completed within the ATS, with additional features being added. Their efforts represent a significant advancement for law enforcement agencies across the country.
Speak with a Safeguard Specialist today and learn more about how to fully staff your department!
