Law Enforcement Hiring , Increased in 2023 , Following Years of Decline.<br />NBC reports that police departments in the United States <br />have seen their first increase in ranks, changing course <br />on a historic exodus of officers in recent years.<br />According to a recent survey, <br />2023 saw more officers sworn in <br />than any of the previous four years. .<br />At the same time, the survey by the Police Executive <br />Research Forum (PERF) also found that fewer law <br />enforcement officers resigned or retired in 2023. .<br />Law enforcement numbers had been declining following <br />the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against <br />police brutality following the death of George Floyd. .<br />Law enforcement numbers had been declining following <br />the COVID pandemic and nationwide protests against <br />police brutality following the death of George Floyd. .<br />I just think that the past four <br />years have been particularly <br />challenging for American policing. <br />And our survey shows we’re <br />finally starting to turn a corner, Chuck Wexler, Executive director of PERF, via NBC.<br />NBC reports that declining numbers left <br />many police departments with a shortage of<br />officers, which resulted in slower response times.<br />Chuck Wexler, executive director of PERF, warns that many police departments are still struggling to recruit and retain officers.<br />According to Wexler, law enforcement , "isn't out of the woods yet.".<br />At least a dozen smaller police departments in <br />the nation have been forced to disband, leaving those <br />municipalities reliant upon state or county police forces.<br />NBC reports that in addition to increased pay and <br />benefits, many police departments have chosen to <br />change application requirements to increase hiring
