KLC & KACP Present on Police Recruitment & Retention

On June 23, 2026, Kentucky League of Cities Government Affairs Director Gracie Kelly and Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Shawn Butler testified before the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government regarding officer recruitment and retention challenges faced by cities. 

During the presentation, Kelly discussed the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels to ensure public safety and highlighted the significant investments cities make in recruiting, training, and retaining law enforcement officers. She noted that staffing shortages can affect response times, increase overall expenses, and place additional strain on existing personnel. This is especially impactful in smaller cities, where even a single vacancy can significantly disrupt operations. 

Kelly also highlighted data from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training’s 2024 Comprehensive Survey and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council, showing that Kentucky cities operate 233 police departments employing approximately 4,700 certified officers. Excluding Lexington, the average municipal police department employs just 16 sworn municipal officers. The survey further found that the average number of sworn municipal officers has declined by approximately 8% since 2021. 

The presentation also noted significant vacancies in Kentucky’s two largest police departments, with Louisville reporting between 200 and 250 vacancies and Lexington reporting more than 100 vacancies. 

Additionally, Kelly discussed the financial investment cities make in new officers. According to KLC’s 2024 Wage and Salary Survey, cities invest approximately $30,000 in salary and benefits alone while an officer completes basic training, excluding equipment, travel, and training costs. 

Butler discussed the law enforcement workforce pipeline and recruitment challenges departments are experiencing across the Commonwealth. He highlighted factors contributing to staffing shortages, including a limited applicant pool and competition among agencies for experienced officers. Butler also discussed strategies departments use to strengthen recruitment and retention, including competitive compensation, flexible scheduling options, wellness initiatives, professional development opportunities, and community outreach. 

To watch the committee presentation, click HERE.