Police staffing trying to find its way back from COVID, George Floyd

Last year, 70% of law enforcement agencies reported having more staffing difficulties than five years ago, and a number of departments have shrunk by 10% or more, according to an analysis by the Washington-based R Street Institute.

The R Street analysis found 78% of police agencies said negative perceptions of police and the criminal justice system hurt recruitment efforts.

The report said the average starting pay for police nationally is $50,000 — a challenge with rising housing and other costs since the pandemic.