LAWRENCE, Indiana — The struggle to find workers across the nation has become more prevalent in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From factories to restaurants to hotels, everybody is searching for new hires, including police.
Officer resignations were up 47% in 2022 compared to 2019, and retirements are up 19%, according to a recent survey from around 200 police agencies.
This includes just about every police department in the country, and Lawrence is no exception.
Officer Jennifer Highwood has been patrolling the streets of Lawrence for a little less than a year and said she can’t imagine doing anything else.
"It's kind of always felt like a calling,” Highwood said, driving her cruiser south on Post Road.
Born and raised here, she's proud to wear the badge in the community where she grew up. Highwood's law enforcement journey began seven years ago at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, then with the Martinsville Police Department.
“Lawrence has the big city police activity … but it’s a smaller department, so we’re closer-knit, we’re more of a family here,” Highwood said. “I love the ability to help people, catch the bad guys and keep the streets safe.”
Like police departments across Indiana and the rest of the country, keeping the streets safe is a challenge like never before.
“Staffing is certainly a challenge,” Lawrence Police Dept. Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff said.
Lawrence is budgeted for 65 police officers. There are currently 60, and Woodruff said at least four are planning to retire next year. While their mandatory minimum number of officers on the street is six per shift, Woodruff said they have, at times, dropped below that due to injuries, sick time and vacation.
“And that’s when our command staff … our detectives will put on a uniform and come into work,” Woodruff said.
Nationwide problem
Many in law enforcement blame the COVID-19 pandemic and criticism of police as reasons for the increase in officer resignations and retirements across the country.
Last year, 65% of police agencies reported an increase in retirements, and 66% reported an increase in resignations.
Also, 69% saw a drop in the number of applications for full-time officer positions between 2020 and 2022.
Overall officer staffing levels dropped by 4.8%.
Changing tactics to stay competitive
As a result, Woodruff said Lawrence Police Department has adjusted to stay competitive.
This month, the city approved increases to starting officers' salary, plus a $5,000 hiring bonus and a $10,000 bonus for “certified, tier-one” experienced officers.
“That way … they can go right into field training, and they’re out there working,” Woodruff said, instead of sending the rookie officer to the academy for months and months of training before they’re on the road.
The department has also emphasized diversity in its marketing to more accurately reflect the city’s demographics. Woodruff said even smaller details, such as a new gym for officers to use at the police station and a newer fleet of patrol vehicles, can make a difference.
Despite the challenges, Highwood said she hopes more people will consider a career in law enforcement.
“When I get up and put on my uniform and badge, I know that I have a purpose,” Highwood said. “And it's to help people and make a difference, and if I can impact just one person, then I know I've done what I intended to do.”