What are the Biggest Challenges for Law Enforcement in 5-10 Years? We Asked 248 Florida Police Chiefs

We asked nearly two hundred fifty Florida police chiefs to predict the future challenges law enforcement may face in the next five to ten years. The instructions were to write as much or as little as desired. Our goal is to share their predictions without editorializing.

Why is a scheduling software company writing about challenges for Florida law enforcement?

We support the role of law enforcement in our communities, as safety and order are prerequisites to a functional civilization. Our team includes former law enforcement officers, and we have family members in the profession. Since our company is based in Florida, it seemed fitting to begin with police leadership in our state.

Responses

“Recruitment and retention in law enforcement is a nationwide trend, not just here in Florida. However, it is exacerbated here in South Florida with the higher costs of living. It appears nationally that potential recruits are looking at law enforcement more as a job and not as a career.

Technology and the ever-shifting advances often exceed the government’s ability to keep up. Not only with the utilization of the technology but the new crime trends it brings with it. Now with artificial intelligence and machine learning, there are new challenges not only for law enforcement but for the entire criminal justice system. Technology tends to be that double-edged sword as it helps law enforcement in many ways, but it can just as easily challenge law enforcement.”

Chief Reo Hatfield
South Miami Police Department

“One of law enforcement’s biggest challenges in the next 5-10 years will be recruiting new officers. Public perception, competitive job markets, and evolving skill requirements make attracting and retaining talent increasingly difficult. To build a resilient and skilled workforce, we must adapt our strategies, enhance community engagement, and prioritize officer well-being.”

Chief Travis Grimm
Belle Isle Police Department

“In my opinion and experience, I believe there are three main challenges the law enforcement profession is currently experiencing.

Recruitment/ Retention – With the cost of living steadily increasing, the municipal law enforcement agency cannot keep up, thus causing a shortfall in salaries when compared to the private sector. Although the benefits and pension are normally better, the eligible new hire from the academy does not customarily focus on them. The starting salary is the greatest benefactor in recruiting personnel. Once hired, the retention of these officers becomes difficult as the result of two factors: (1) Constant competition amongst law enforcement agencies that increase salaries and benefits to attract employed officers from other agencies and (2) the systematic degradation of the law enforcement profession. More often than not in many communities, the law enforcement officer is underappreciated and that has a negative effect on the longevity of the officer’s career.

Technology – With the ever-increasing and evolving technology, the current law enforcement officer is forced to become a pseudo-information technology specialist. While this is attractive to many, it is equally as unattractive to others. Technology has proven to be extremely beneficial; however, it has also impacted budgets which normally have been used to provide salary increases. Technology has become the third largest expenditure and is quickly becoming the second.

Criminal Justice System – Recidivism in Florida is below the national average. However, when officers are asked, most of them will say that they are arresting the same people over and over. This will ultimately turn into a losing mindset and contribute to burnout and premature retirement. Conviction rates have decreased as most cases are dropped and those that do get convicted are mostly due to plea deals. It has become a general atmosphere of ‘if the case is not presented to the States Attorney on a silver platter’ it will not get prosecuted. This has caused a tremendous amount of frustration.”

Interim Chief Jeffrey Tambasco
Fernandina Beach Police Department

“I believe the future challenges will be recruitment and retention, due to the lack of accountability on those who attack law enforcement officers by court systems in some states, along with state and federal leaders not acting to better protect law enforcement with new laws and benefits similar to those implemented in Florida.”

Chief William Tokajer
Holmes Beach Police Department

“From a small agency’s view, funding is a significant issue. Technology is constantly changing daily, which helps with investigations.”

Chief Reginald Akins
Jennings Police Department

“We are already experiencing low recruitment numbers for new officers.”

Chief Kris DiGiovanni
Key Colony Beach Police Department

“As we look ahead to the next five to ten years, Florida law enforcement will undoubtedly confront significant challenges that require strategic foresight and adaptability. Among these, several key issues stand out prominently.

Firstly, the continued evolution of technology presents both opportunities and challenges. As advancements in AI, data analytics, and surveillance technologies accelerate, law enforcement must navigate the delicate balance between privacy concerns and the effective use of these tools for crime prevention and investigation.

Secondly, the demographic shifts and population growth in Florida pose challenges related to community policing and resource allocation. Managing diverse communities with varying needs and expectations will require enhanced cultural competency and proactive community engagement strategies. 

Thirdly, the increase in population within our city and county jurisdictions is currently the fastest-growing in the United States. The statistic in this area brings many concerns including enough officers on the streets, officers in new schools, and investigative personnel to work caseloads. It will also increase our traffic statistics, roadway infrastructure issues, traffic crash numbers, and the enforcement needed to respond promptly.

Furthermore, addressing the complex issue of mental health crisis intervention remains a pressing challenge. Law enforcement officers often find themselves on the front lines of mental health emergencies, necessitating improved training, access to mental health resources, and collaborative partnerships with health care providers. In navigating these challenges, Florida law enforcement can seize opportunities to innovate, build community trust, and enhance public safety through proactive policies and partnerships. By prioritizing training, technology integration, and adaptive leadership, we can work together to ensure a safer and more resilient future for all Floridians.”

Chief Art Bodenheimer
Lake Alfred Police Department

“The biggest challenge is/will be recruiting and retention – men & women of character, who have a servant’s heart and the will to be apolitical advocates of justice and defenders of the Constitution.”

Chief Ciro Dominguez
Naples Police Department

“The biggest challenge we face is improving public trust and working on our image in law enforcement as a whole. It is a task that is never-ending and HIGHLY affects those wanting to work in law enforcement. The current reduction in staffing numbers will only get worse until this is corrected.

Example: The military has spent billions of dollars to advertise its image in a positive light. It went from ‘baby killers’ in Vietnam, to an ‘Army of One’, and currently ‘This we’ll defend'”

Chief Mark Cheatham
South Daytona Police Department

“Law enforcement will need to evolve and navigate the rapid advancements in technology, specifically, the use of artificial intelligence in its investigations. This will prove to be both a critical challenge and an indispensable opportunity requiring technical expertise to navigate effectively.”

Sarah Coursey
Tavares Police Department

“The major challenge for small agencies like mine is and will be recruitment and maintenance of proper staffing for professionalism and purpose. Venice is a wonderful city in the middle of Sarasota County, Florida. The city is facing unprecedented growth in the middle of a region experiencing unprecedented growth. The Venice Police Department is very service-oriented and serves as the ‘24/7 problem solvers’  for our community. We enjoy a great working relationship with all city departments and all local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Our efforts to hire and build longevity in the ranks will continue to be challenging as we grow and our city grows. Pay, special assignment opportunities, training, and equipment are benefits that candidates are looking for when joining an agency. Our agency, the smallest of the primary four local agencies in the county, continues to adjust as we are able to maintain our place in the ‘market’. Our edge is the supportive community that we have, low crime rate, and training and equipment access. Our challenges in recruitment tend to be the lower special assignment opportunities and pay compared to agencies around us. Both now and in the next five to ten years, it must be a priority of the VPD to maintain competitive balance in these areas in order to hire and keep the most professional officers and professional support staff.”

Chief Charlie Thorpe 
Venice Police Department

“(1) Staffing and funds for police equipment and (2) law enforcement support for small municipalities.”

Interim Chief Raymond Hernandez
Virginia Gardens Police Department

“I believe a few of the most important challenges law enforcement will endure in the upcoming years is the influx of population coming in from outside countries. These challenges will include manpower, language barriers, and Ethnicity culture. Understanding the law in the United States compared to the country of origin. Drugs are entering this country at an alarming rate. I feel that more important than the amount of drugs is the type of drugs. These drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, are deadly and being manufactured in many different ways, from the form of pill, to looking like children’s candy.”

Chief Richard Carley
Cottondale Police Department

“Law enforcement and the community will continue to suffer the consequences of movements to defund, dishonor, and disrespect them for decades. Building trust will remain a focus for most agencies. We need to understand the gaps in hiring, retention, and future leadership that need to be mitigated now and the effects they are causing.

First, data suggests that the largest demographic still leaving the workforce post-2020 is adults aged fifty-five and over, typically considered the peak of maturity for leaders. These qualified mentors with valuable life lessons and skills are leaving the leadership ranks of policing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the labor force participation rate for those aged fifty-five and over has declined significantly since the pandemic.

Next is the challenge of hiring recruits who desire a long-term career, not just a few years of interesting stories. Data also indicates that fewer young adults enter the workforce, population growth is stalled, and many states are declining. Agencies are investing in ways to be more efficient and develop alternative ways to deliver service, but they can’t forget the biggest investment will be cops and leadership.

Law enforcement leaders need to hold fast to value-based leadership and emphasize that this is a career with purpose. I am concerned that using cliché language that often serves as a euphemism for lowering standards, which never works in the long run. If agencies run ads highlighting the pay rather than the purpose, they will attract the wrong people—those who value money over making a difference.”

Chief Dave Ogden
Windermere Police Department

Final Thoughts

A huge thank you to all the police chiefs who offered their time to make this article happen. We want to continue to find practical ways to support law enforcement through our software and product development. Feedback from real agencies helps us to solve staffing challenges and scheduling issues.