Hiring and Retention of State and Local Law Enforcement Officers, 2020

In 2020, general-purpose law enforcement agencies hired 55,000 full-time sworn personnel, but lost 57,400 through resignations, retirements, and other types of separations, resulting in a net loss of 2,400 officers (figure 1). A net loss of 1,500 officers also occurred in 2013, while agencies had net gains in 2003, 2008, and 2016. The largest number of hires occurred in 2016 (63,600), resulting in a net gain of 9,300 officers

Get the report HERE

Have Racial Disparities in Law Enforcement Stops Narrowed? – Public Policy Institute of California

California’s Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) requires detailed reporting on all pedestrian and traffic stops. Recent RIPA data from the state’s largest law enforcement agencies points to a reduction in the overall number of stops—but we do not see a substantial narrowing of racial/ethnic disparities in intrusive experiences during stops.
— Read on www.ppic.org/publication/have-racial-disparities-in-law-enforcement-stops-narrowed/

A look back on the Washington Post database of people shot and killed by police – Quality Policing

Now with ICE dominating the law enforcement news, sometimes I like to revisit issues of yesteryear. The Washington Post used to keep track of how many people police shoot and kill. It was and is a useful database. And then in 2025 they stopped counting. So it covers 2015 to 2024. And given recent cutbacks at the Washington Post, it’s safe to say it’s not going to be restarted.

But at least we have a solid (if limited) 10-year database of fatal police-involved shootings. It’s also useful because it’s very accessible and easy for even the statistically adept. The only active accurate database now is kept by Campaign Zero and their Mapping Police Violence (ideologically anti-policing and into police abolition, but still, kudos to them). And no, shamefully, the federal government still doesn’t keep track.

— Read on qualitypolicing.com/a-look-back-on-the-washington-post-database-of-people-shot-and-killed-by-police/

Utah Takes Aim at Unsolved Violent Crime – R Street Institute

Despite a nationwide decline in violent crime rates, Utah faces a persistent challenge: too many violent crimes go unsolved. The consequences ripple through communities across the state, leaving victims and families without closure, allowing dangerous offenders to remain at large, and eroding confidence in the justice system. Recent data from Utah’s law enforcement agencies reveal troubling clearance gaps that demand attention.
— Read on www.rstreet.org/commentary/utah-takes-aim-at-unsolved-violent-crime/

Resource spotlight: Data projects tracking police misconduct, use of force, and employment histories | Prison Policy Initiative

The need for law enforcement transparency, oversight, and accountability has never been clearer. We highlight data projects that have helped document and investigate misconduct, as …
— Read on www.prisonpolicy.org/blog/2026/01/26/police_misconduct/