The latest U.S. Census data showed that the share of the U.S. population that is 65 years old or over has increased by more than 33% in just 10 years. The aging of the U.S. population shows no signs of slowing in the years ahead, due primarily to the lower birth rates seen in recent decades. The rapid aging of the U.S. population, which is set to accelerate in the coming years, will have profound impacts on our society across a multitude of different areas. Law enforcement is likely no exception.

Law enforcement leaders are very likely to grapple with recruiting challenges based on these demographic shifts, compounded by the speed with which eligible officers are likely to retire in the coming years. At the same time, however, statistics indicate that a jurisdiction experiencing a drop in proportion of the population which is made up of young people may also expect to see a drop in violent crime—as older citizens are highly unlikely to engage in violent crime. 

In this two-hour webinar, Attorney Matt Dolan will discuss what these age demographic trends are likely to mean for law enforcement leaders in the areas of:

• Recruiting from a smaller pool of young adults entering the workforce now and for years to come
• Retention challenges associated with a “retirement cliff” approaching for officers hired 20 to 30 years ago
• Analyzing staffing needs in light of aging populations, which are statistically less likely to engage in violent crime