As iterated in our White Paper, "Navigating the Changing Seascape in Maritime Public Safety," the People part of the 4 P's (People, Platforms/Procurement, Processes, Performance) represent the biggest and most complex challenges for managers, supervisors, and leaders within the LEO community. As agencies witness a mass exodus of their key employees (Baby Boomers retiring at the rate of 10,000 per day), organizations are struggling with recruitment, diversity and retention. So why is this happening, and what can we do to stem the tide?

Dr. Charlie Scheer, Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, has collected some very interesting information and data in collaboration with four other universities. Through an extensive survey of college students, including those in a criminal justice program, he has collected some fascinating data on the future of law enforcement through the eyes of the next generation of officers, or potential officers.

"It's interesting to see how some of our preconceived notions, or perceptions are incorrect," said Dr. Scheer, "while learning where we have missed the mark with regard to addressing their areas of concern as it relates to a career in law enforcement." The data paints a clearer picture for recruiters and managers about this generation's impressions of police training, thoughts about patrol work, the recruitment and selection process, and the role of police in society today.

In an interview with the National Maritime Law Enforcement Executive Director, Mark DuPont, Dr. Scheer shares some very early information and begins to outline how the "people" challenges can be overcome by paying attention to what his survey respondents are saying.

Listen in to Podcast 9-18: The Future of Law Enforcement - Critical Data from the Next Generation of Officers, where Dr. Charlie Scheer goes into some detail about what the survey is showing us, and why law enforcement agency leadership should pay attention. Click here for the Podcast.