How to Boost Officer Morale in the Current Climate
Officer morale within law enforcement is currently at concerning lows according to a 2021 Critical Issues in Policing survey conducted by the National Fraternal Order of Police (NFOP) and Griffith University. Results revealed morale as one of the top critical issues identified by officers themselves, with over half frequently considering leaving the profession (NFOP, 2021). This presents a significant challenge for police leaders focused on supporting and retaining their workforce. However, research shows there are evidence-based strategies that can boost morale if implemented effectively. This article will examine proven techniques to improve officer morale specifically within the current climate of anti-police sentiment, increased scrutiny, and perceived dangers on the job.
Show Appreciation in Meaningful Ways
A key driver of low morale stems from officers feeling unappreciated, overworked, and undervalued. Agencies must prioritize showing appreciation through words and actions. International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) President Dwight Henninger emphasizes, “It all begins with leadership consistently expressing support and gratitude for officers” (IACP, 2021). Appreciation must go deeper than surface level praise; it requires sincerely conveying that officers’ sacrifices and service are recognized and valued.
Specific methods include:
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- Sending thank you notes or emails highlighting officer accomplishments. Aurora PD sent over 2000 personal notes to officers which Chief Wilson VanVoorhis stated “made a world of difference in lifting spirits” (IACP, 2021).
- Holding awards ceremonies to recognize major achievements as well as ‘caught in the act of excellence’ moments.
- Giving out morale patches or coins to celebrate good work.
- Speaking positively to the media about officer actions.
- Encouraging community members to share support. Lexington PD’s “#LoveForLexPD” campaign resulted in 500 messages from the public (IACP, 2022).
- Surprising teams with meals, snacks, or other small gestures of gratitude.
Showing sincere, consistent appreciation provides validation and motivates officers to continue excelling in their service. As Chief Cynthia Renaud explains, “Gratitude is the oxygen of hope. When officers feel valued, it energizes them” (IACP, 2021).
Support Officer Safety and Wellbeing
87% of officers believe negative publicity against police has made policing more dangerous (NFOP, 2021). Agencies must take actions ensuring officer safety to reduce stress. Strategies include:
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- Providing high-quality protective gear and updating any outdated equipment.
- Offering de-escalation or defensive tactics training to avoid use of force incidents.
- Having officers patrol in pairs rather than alone.
- Increasing mental health resources focused on trauma and stress reduction. Confidential mobile apps like Cordico shield offer anonymous support options that may reduce stigma (Patrol, 2022).
- Limiting consecutive shifts or overtime to allow for adequate rest between duties.
When officers feel physically and psychologically safe, morale improves. Chiefs should send the message that officer wellbeing is the department’s top priority.
Build Trust Through Community Engagement
84% of officers report citizens have become less compliant and 90% believe they are more willing to resist police (NFOP, 2021). Rebuilding community trust through engagement initiatives can help reduce adversarial interactions. Examples include:
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- Holding virtual or in-person community meetings to directly hear citizen concerns.
- Speaking with local groups such as schools, non-profits, or businesses to explain policing perspectives.
- Collaborating with social workers on alternative response models that don’t require force.
- Expanding community advisory councils to incorporate diverse viewpoints into policymaking.
- Promoting successful diversion programs that connect individuals to needed services rather than arrests.
- Launching public awareness campaigns showcasing positive police-community relationships.
Humanizing officers and establishing open dialogue enables collaborative solutions that improve safety for all. Chief Cervera advocates that “trust must be built slowly, methodically, and thoughtfully” through authentic engagement (IACP, 2021). When communities see police as partners, it reinforces the value of an officer’s role.
Ensure Fair Policies, Discipline, and Accountability
The NFOP study found low perceptions of organizational justice, with many feeling leadership inconsistently applies rules or unequally recognizes good work (NFOP, 2021). Unfair disciplinary practices bred resentment and harmed morale agency-wide after high-profile incidents according to 67% of Black officers in a Pew study (Morin et al., 2020). To increase morale, agencies must evaluate and address any systemic inequities within policies, procedures, or leadership approaches. Key recommendations include:
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- Reviewing all policies with employee representatives to identify needed changes.
- Standardizing discipline procedures so consequences relate directly to offenses.
- Investigating complaints and misconduct thoroughly but objectively.
- Providing reasoned explanations for any denied requests to demonstrate respect.
- Empowering oversight bodies incorporating diverse community insight.
- Establishing early intervention systems to detect problematic behaviors.
- Enforcing accountability consistently regardless of rank or tenure.
While discipline is unavoidable in policing, officers view punitive measures as more acceptable when applied fairly and transparently. Eliminating perceived favoritism or bias demonstrates leaders’ commitment to integrity at all levels.
Prioritize Officer Feedback and Involvement
Officers frequently feel leadership disregards their opinions yet expects them to carry out directives flawlessly. Facilitating two-way communication and engaging officers in decision-making restores a sense of value and control. Strategies include:
- Holding skip-level meetings where executives meet directly with patrol units.
- Creating officer committees to provide input on new policies, programs, or equipment.
- Including an officer representative on key department boards and councils.
- Regularly surveying officers anonymously to measure needs and morale.
- Soliciting officer feedback after major incidents or changes to improve future response.
- Empowering officers to identify problems and brainstorm solutions.
- Considering officer priorities and concerns when making budget or resource allocation choices.
Officer surveys, in particular, present data-driven insights from the full workforce that commanders can act upon. Leaders who actively integrate officer perspectives into planning earn trust and boost morale.
Improving officer morale requires multifaceted, ongoing efforts tailored to current challenges. However, research proves prioritizing officer wellbeing, safety, fairness, voice, and appreciation can sustain engagement and excellence even in difficult times. When officers feel supported by their command and community, morale remains high. By implementing these proven strategies, leaders can demonstrate to their officers and citizens that policing deserves investment and support.
One important strategy for police managers to understand officer concerns is implementing anonymous officer surveys. Regularly soliciting confidential feedback from the full force provides data-driven insights on sentiments within the department. Tracking survey results over time can reveal trends and measure the impact of leadership changes. Critically, officer surveys gives every member of the agency an equal voice in a non-threatening way. Managers can identify specific problem areas and morale drivers through both quantitative data and open-ended comments. Rather than make assumptions about workforce needs, wise chiefs go directly to the source – their officers. Surveys convey that leadership cares about officers’ experiences and engages them as partners in improving department operations. This inclusive approach is key for building morale and trust. To learn more about Officer Survey and how it can help your agency, please schedule a free demo.
