More work can be done, especially for officers that have been on duty.
With “defund the police” doing a heavy damage to police departments across the United States, some communities are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to bringing on new recruits to join the ranks.
The New York Times recently reported that several cities have initiated recruitment programs to bring new officers on board, including bonuses worth tens of thousands of dollars, as well as other perks. This is all based around new marketing, taking a revised direction from past recruitment programs.
“The game has clearly changed,” Marcus Jones, Chief of Police for Montgomery County in Maryland, explained regarding the new tactics.
And while it will certainly help some cities that have seen a skyrocketing increase in crime, some wonder why it needed to come to this when city governments – and even the White House – could’ve done something much sooner.
Weighing in on this matter is Michael Letts, a law enforcement veteran with 30 years of experience under his belt. Letts currently serves as founder, president and CEO for InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. His expertise will prove useful in this matter.
Q&A:
- What do you think about the new marketing approach to recruit new officers to police departments? Do you believe it is necessary in these times, especially with the damage that “defund the police” has done?
- Why didn’t municipal governments launch such programs sooner? Were they hoping to reflect on “defund the police” as a victory instead of a problem? Or could it have been something else?
- Do you think more cities will adapt to programs like these in an effort to recruit new officers? What other benefits do you believe they could offer for the long-term?
- Attracting officers to these jobs is one thing, but what can these police departments do to keep them from leaving, as so many have done in 2022?
- Could 2023 finally be the year that President Joe Biden keeps his promise to “fund the police”? Do you see any potential stumbling blocks that could get in the way in the House and Senate?
- You’re the driving factor of InVest USA, an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police officers through various charitable groups and sponsorships. Tell us more about that, and why support for fellow officers is so important right now.
- We understand that InVest USA is also actively involved with Twitter. Where can interested parties learn more?
Those interested in what I do on Twitter can do so on the official Invest USA account.
About Michael Letts:
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Jerry McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com or 919-437-0001.
