Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
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Initiative: 2.31 Establish innovative recruitment pathways
Creating a Safer Community Together
Description
The goal of this initiative is to explore innovative strategies for enhancing recruitment efforts within the Durham Police Department. Given the critical need for staff and the rising attrition rates, recruiting has become increasingly crucial. To maintain the highest standard of community response, it is imperative that we bolster our recruitment and hiring efforts to ensure continued successful achievement of objectives.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
Continual recruitment of public safety personnel is important for maintaining adequate staffing levels, ensuring a rapid response to emergencies, and building a diverse force that reflects the community. This recruitment effort supports proactive public safety, enhances trust, and fosters community relationships, ultimately contributing to a safer Durham for all.
This chart shows the calendar year number of police recruitment applications submitted. With the salary increases implemented in July 2024, along with the other listed recruitment strategies approaches, the City hopes to see an upward trend in the coming years
Submitted Police Recruitment Applications
Why is it important?
Recruiting new police officers is important for creating a safer community by maintaining adequate staffing levels and enabling effective law enforcement. A diverse and well-staffed police force supports community policing strategies, fostering trust and cooperation with residents. Increased recruitment also allows officers time to engage with the community, building relationships and increasing visibility and availability. Succession planning and adaptability to changing demands are also key benefits, ensuring law enforcement agencies remain responsive, trustworthy, and well-prepared for the future.
What have we been doing?
Durham Emergency Communications
- Continued continuous recruitment for current and future training academies
- Implemented test validation of critical test modules – Biddle Consulting Group support
- Researched hiring a full-time department recruiter
Durham Police Department
- Partnered with the Public Affairs Unit to highlight the department and simultaneously announce hiring / testing events
- Researched potential partnership with NC Central University for last semester seniors to attend the Durham Police Academy
- Awarded grant for recruiting and retention strategies focused on women and the Hispanic community
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2023 COPS Micro-grant - $159,018 to support our 30x30 initiative to recruit, retain and advance women in policing by 2030.
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2024 COPS Micro-grant – $175,000 support our 30x30 initiatives similar to our 2023 grant with additional focus that targets applicants from our Hispanic community. Approved by City Council 11/18/2024.
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Durham Fire Department
- Created committees for hiring and important issues
- Implemented employee referral incentive
- Began using light duty personnel for recruiter
What's next?
Durham Emergency Communications (911)
- Continue researching and working toward previously enumerated initiatives
Durham Police Department
- Continue working toward NC Central University Partnership
- Additional 2023 / 2024 COPS Micro-grant activities
- Continue hiring events
- Plan and complete additional 30X30 initiatives
Durham Fire Department
- Implement employee referral program
- Continue open house and job fair events
- Develop accelerated lateral hiring process
- Conduct agility testing familiarity for potential applicants
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division