Starting a police department is not an easy process, especially in 2022, when it is not a coveted job or career. Research shows that police departments around the U.S. are struggling to recruit and retain officers. This problem has forced many departments to downsize operations, but despite declining numbers, there are still areas where new departments are needed. Building a new police precinct from the ground up may be challenging. However, it is possible to accomplish this with the right strategies and effective implementation. Leaders in law enforcement can follow these steps to jumpstart a new police department and create a safer community.

Assess the Necessity

Before any plans to start a police department can proceed, assessing the need for such a development is essential. Does the level of criminal activity in the community necessitate more oversight, for example? Is the population rapidly increasing enough to demand a new department? If the answer to questions like this is affirmative, it may indeed be necessary to establish a new department. Ultimately, anyone who wishes to establish a new department must thoroughly research and document these questions and answer them to justify them. Research must also address whether launching a new department would be the most cost-effective policing solution.

Complete a Strategic Analysis

If the research indicates that a new police department is necessary, law enforcement leadership may initiate a strategic analysis. It will entail further research in the form of obtaining legal advice, consulting with experts, and seeking feedback from community members. The information gathered throughout this process should then be compiled, categorized, and analyzed to identify the best path forward. Often, law enforcement representatives may have a say in the strategic analysis. The mayor or city council should also have input on the process. 

Although law enforcement representatives will be involved in the strategic analysis, leadership in another field — for example, a mayor, city council, or professional consultant — should take the lead in this process.

Create an Operations Plan

The data gathered from a strategic analysis must inform the operations plan, which should detail the key objectives and parameters of the new police department. It should also include information about the department’s police professional liability insurance. Law enforcement liability coverage is essential to mitigating the risks that often emerge in the field. An operations plan must specify what kind of insurance for police officers the department intends to obtain. Internal risk management strategies are also necessary for an operations plan.

Recruit Qualified Officers

With a plan, law enforcement leadership can start recruiting new officers. Throughout this process, it’s essential to be selective. Hiring suitable candidates can massively reduce a new department’s liability burden. Hiring officers with prior experience in law enforcement or other relevant experience, such as military service, is often beneficial. Regardless, a new department must hire candidates who prioritize safety and care about their communities.

About PGUI

Professional Governmental Underwriters, LLC., is a full-service risk management company dedicated to assisting public, educational and non-profit entities in the management of their professional liability exposures including educators liability insurance. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art professional underwriting management and loss control advisory services on behalf of our designated carriers. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 586-6502.