AFPI Releases Roadmap to Address Police Staffing Shortages Across the U.S.
NewsData.io · United States · Sep 2, 2026
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has published a policy paper detailing the scope of America's law enforcement staffing crisis and prescribing remedies at the federal, state, and local levels. Data from the Police Executive Research Forum shows participating agencies employed 5.2% fewer sworn officers in January 2025 than in 2020, with resignations running 18.4% above 2019 levels. Key drivers include retirement waves, post-2020 morale declines, burnout cycles, and non-competitive pay — issues staffing firms serving public-sector or law enforcement clients will recognize. AFPI's roadmap recommends modernizing federal hiring grants, streamlining lateral transfers, benchmark compensation, and multi-year agency staffing plans as levers to stabilize public safety workforce pipelines.
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