Anita Tobias’ Post

In this episode we discuss: Police Training, recruiting, hiring interviews, wellness, fitness, crime. Police culture, my heritage/culture, history and entry into law enforcement and necessity to be “more than a cop.” We talk about how I learned more about arresting and ground fighting in months of BJJ than 15 years of standardized police defensive tactics. We talk about challenges facing law enforcement over the past few years, what turned many good people away, and what we need to cultivate in ourselves to grow as individuals- in or outside of our careers. #endlessendeavor #policeissues #firstresponderwellness

We are hiring at the Ankeny Police Department. Below, you see the great benefits, salary, opportunities, and incentives.   Honest talk: no amount of money is worth the sacrifices made when becoming a police officer. In my opinion, officers should be paid an enormous amount of money, which is why I am not a city manager; my talents are better suited to law enforcement. Money is undoubtedly important as it provides stability and comfort. The salary you receive at the Ankeny Police Department will provide that stability and comfort. However, being paid well is only a small part of the job and cannot match the emotional, physical, and mental currency you will invest into the profession.   We are seeking individuals who will contribute positively to our culture, and help us maintain a successful, positive, and safe work environment. We want people who understand what they are getting into. Law enforcement is a different kind of job. On patrol, you won't get every other weekend off. Work/life balance is very important to our department, and we make every effort to make sure you achieve that balance. But sometimes, work will get in the way of life.   You will make a difference in someone's life and never know it. Some people you encounter will never change. You will enter a person's life during a difficult or uncomfortable situation and will be expected to show empathy, recognize dangerous situations, and stay safe, sometimes all at once. You will make mistakes, learn from your mistakes, be receptive to constructive criticism, and continue improving. We hold each other accountable, and you will be expected to do your job every day, not sit on the sidelines. Once you're a part of our organization, it becomes your organization - we're all on the same team. You will become part of a team where the leadership has experienced how it feels to work non-stop, responding to call after call without being able to leave work at the scheduled time. That same leadership understands and knows the sacrifices each officer makes and will never take your commitment to serve and protect for granted.    Along with everything I mentioned above, you will receive some great gifts: pride, satisfaction, praise, commitment, dedication, and honor. You will smile, laugh, and love the people around you.   This is a different kind of job. Is this for you? Join the Ankeny Police Department.

My thoughts on small police agency recruitment. Our agency managed 9 years without a vacancy. How can we make smaller agency positions more appealing? Does the quality of life within the agency or the community play a role? My opinion on Small Law Enforcement Agency Advantages/Disadvantages Disadvantages: Fewer Advancement Opportunities: Slower career progression and fewer specialized assignments. Increased Workload: Officers juggle multiple roles, from patrol to admin. Less Backup in Emergencies: Fewer officers mean less immediate support. Limited Specialized Units: Broader duties, fewer specialized teams like SWAT or K9. Advantages: Tight-Knit Community: Stronger bonds with residents and more community impact. Broader Experience: Officers gain diverse skills from varied duties. Close Relationships: A familial atmosphere with colleagues. More Immediate Impact: Individual contributions stand out. Direct Access to Leadership: Better communication with decision-makers. #LawEnforcement #SmallAgencyLife #CommunityPolicing  

Want to bring in that next generation of police officers? If so, then you’ve got to meet them where they're at: social media. Is your team utilizing the right strategies to effectively engage with potential recruits on their preferred platforms? Put these tips into action to inspire those high-performing candidates to join our ranks. This approach isn't just about filling open positions right now, but building a strong pipeline of talent for lasting retention and success down the road. So let's get savvy with these digital tools to strengthen our forces with dedicated, skilled officers who are prepared to take on the unique challenges of modern-day policing. #LawEnforcement #PoliceRecruitment #CommunityPolicing #SocialMediaStrategy #NextGenPolice #PublicSafety

Law enforcement has faced a recruiting crisis in recent years, which has only been exacerbated by the "Ferguson Effect." Unfortunately, this issue has also affected South Florida, where politics have played a significant role in policing. The hiring crisis appears less acute in SW, central, and northern Florida. The Polk County Sheriff's Office, FL can serve as an example of how supporting sworn personnel makes it a department people want to work for and remain with. To learn more about this issue from the South Florida perspective, check out this article from Local 10 News. #LawEnforcement #RecruitingCrisis #SouthFlorida #Politics #Policing

In a era where Law Enforcement Agencies nationwide are facing a hiring/retention crisis, we as a profession must constantly re-evaluate our recruitment and hiring practices to ensure that they are meeting our needs are are still relevant. Re-evaluating the recruitment and hiring process does not mean lowering standards for selection, it means look at ways to make the hiring process more streamlined and attractive to new recruits and lateral applicants. A review of what the Aurora (IL) Police Department is doing can provide other agencies with insights and lesions learned to help address the issue. Law Enforcement leaders must realize that the hiring process, like life, is never static and that change must take place occasionally to ensure their agencies practices stay relevant. However, any change needs to be good change and not change for the sake of change. Once good changes or identified, the leader needs to embrace it and set the tone for the rest of the agency to embrace it as well. #police #policedepartment #lawenforcement #officers #officers #policeofficer #lawenforcementofficer #cop #cops #policeman #policechief #sheriff #deputy #marshal #constable #iacp #p1 #calchiefs #recruitment #retention #hiring #standards #professionalstandards #copscountpolicematter #policingmatters #policematter #policing #backtheblue #policeacademy #recruits #cadents #policetraining #lawenforcementtraining #hiringbonuses #change #embracechange #relevant #relevance #21stcenturypolicing #communitypolicing #communitysafety #publicsafety #officersafety https://lnkd.in/gExgjs8F

The problem of hiring more police officers is solvable, but not until law enforcement modernizes their recruitment. The old ways aren't working, but there are solutions through innovation. #recruitment #hiring #policehiring #talentacquisition #innovation #policehiringsolutions

In The News: In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a concerning shortage of police officers, with 160 vacant positions and a population of 411,000, has intensified public safety concerns. Mayor G.T. Bynum addressed the negative portrayal of officers in the media, emphasizing its impact on recruitment and the careers of existing officers. This shortage is a national issue, reflected in a 4% decline in law enforcement jobs from March 2020 to August 2022. Challenges include low applicant numbers, poor applicant quality, background check disqualifications, generational differences, and increased scrutiny on law enforcement. At GoJoe Patrol, we recognize the need for tailored security solutions amid this shortage. We do this by offering various services to enhance community safety without aiming to replace the police. To learn more, check out our blog!👇 🌐 GoJoePatrol.com/Blogs #PrivateSecurity #GoJoePatrol #JoeIsWatching

Law enforcement agencies across the United States are experiencing a significant increase in staffing since 2020. According to recent Police Executive Research Forum survey, many departments have resorted to increased salaries, hiring bonuses, and changing testing protocols to attract more applicants. However, the biggest factor contributing to this trend is the perception of the job and support from the community and elected officials. This positive trend is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Let's continue to support our efforts to hire and retain qualified law enforcement officers and work together to build a stronger and safer society. 👮♂️ 👮♀ #lawenforcement #policing #hiring #PERF #crime #recruitment #retention #police Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eYnDNir6

The landscape of law enforcement recruitment has shifted dramatically. Not long ago, there was an oversupply of police officers, making it tough to secure a position. Many officers had to apply to multiple departments, just hoping to get a foot in the door. Today, the tables have turned. Departments are now struggling to find qualified candidates and are often forced to lower their standards to fill vacancies. Officers, the power is in your hands. Take the time to research potential departments, talk to fellow officers, and choose an environment that values you—not just as an employee, but as a person. Look for a department that supports your physical, mental, and financial well-being. In this new era, finding the right fit is crucial. You deserve to be in a place that appreciates your dedication and commitment. #LawEnforcement #PoliceOfficers #CareerAdvice #WellBeing #FinancialFreedom