Governor’s Crime Commission releases law enforcement recruitment toolkit
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The Governor’s Crime Commission has released a new law enforcement recruitment toolkit aimed at helping agencies across North Carolina strengthen hiring efforts and better communicate the value of a career in public safety.
The “What It Takes” toolkit is designed to provide ready-to-use messaging and materials, particularly for departments with limited resources, to launch effective recruitment campaigns.
“If we are serious about keeping people safe, we have to be serious about having enough well-trained cops on the beat,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “The ‘What It Takes’ toolkit will provide law enforcement agencies from small towns to big cities the critical resources to recruit and then keep talent to protect the people of North Carolina.”
The campaign was developed in response to a 2024 survey conducted by the Governor’s Crime Commission of law enforcement leadership, current officers, recruits, former officers and job seekers. The research identified an opportunity for agencies to better communicate the value of a purpose-driven career in law enforcement.
The commission worked with a communications firm and an advisory group made up of law enforcement professionals representing a range of agency types, including departments with successful recruitment models and those facing significant challenges.
“Recruitment and retention challenges are real, and this toolkit gives agencies a practical way to compete for talent,” Public Safety Secretary Jeffrey Smythe said. “It reflects our commitment to supporting law enforcement and strengthening public safety across North Carolina.”
According to the commission, the toolkit includes messaging frameworks and communication tools intended to support recruitment statewide, promote a unified message across agencies and address misconceptions by highlighting the principles of policing in a fresh way.
“This toolkit is about empowering agencies to tell their story,” said Michelle Beck, acting deputy director of the Governor’s Crime Commission. “By providing ready-to-use resources, we’re helping departments, especially those without dedicated recruitment teams, reach potential recruits and inspire them to serve.”
Agencies can explore the “What It Takes” resources through the Law Enforcement Recruitment Initiatives page on the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s website. The materials include video, images, graphics and copy designed for use across multiple platforms, including email, websites, radio spots and social media campaigns.
