The team originally developed two innovative recruitment tools as areas for further exploration. First, extensive research was conducted on providing childcare services to the families of public safety employees. Anecdotally, supervisors often hear that lack of appropriate childcare impacts employees’ decisions to call out from work or, in some cases, leave the profession altogether. The research confirmed that the provision of these services could significantly improve employees’ ability to be available, both mentally and physically, for work assignments.

Next, this initiative focused on increasing and improving educational incentives. Many first responders are motivated by the opportunity to learn new skills through training. The team envisioned this might be accomplished by enhanced tuition reimbursement opportunities for employees and an educational leave benefit for use apart from one’s regular accruals. As a result of the initiative, educational incentives were updated and implemented.

After these foundational efforts, the focus of this team shifted to recruiting across three public safety entities in the City: Durham Emergency Communications (911), the Durham Police Department, and the Durham Fire Department. This initiative now includes creative ways for these agencies to recruit and retain personnel to their ranks.