Summary
Presents the results of a special survey administered to a nationally representative sample of agencies that participated in the 2008 Census of State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. Approximately 3,000 general purpose agencies were sampled, including all agencies employing 100 or more full-time sworn officers and a systematic random sample of smaller agencies. Data are presented on the number and demographic characteristics of officers hired by or separated from state and local law enforcement agencies in 2008 and the number lost to military reserve call-ups. Other topics include agency hiring restrictions related to applicants' personal history, targeted minority recruitment efforts, methods used to reach potential recruits, incentives offered, strategies used to retain officers, and agency policies on overtime and outside employment. Tables in the report present summary statistics by agency size and type (local police department, sheriff's office, or state law enforcement agency).