Working to Strengthen PA Law Enforcement Workforce

Recognizing the need to ensure public safety in communities across the Commonwealth, the House Republican Policy Committee was in Berks County last week for a hearing titled “Protecting Pennsylvania: Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention” where law enforcement leaders discussed solutions to workforce challenges.

Pennsylvania employed approximately 24,300 police officers and sheriff’s deputies in 2024, an 11-year low and a 14% decline since 2013. Openings that used to generate hundreds of applications now get just a handful. Existing officers are being forced to work overtime to ensure the safety of our communities, which leads to additional stress and fatigue.

To boost the recruitment of new officers and retention of existing ones, testifiers encouraged policies to strengthen career pipelines; improve training; and support the physical, mental and financial well-being of officers.