More creative efforts needed to ‘Back the Blue’

Many localities struggle to recruit, retain officers

  • Fargo Sgt. Mike Saden conducts a training exercise in May 2020 with police academy trainees at the Fargo Regional Law Enforcement Training Center. David Samson / The Forum
    Fargo Sgt. Mike Saden conducts a training exercise in May 2020 with police academy trainees at the Fargo Regional Law Enforcement Training Center. David Samson / The Forum
  • Gov. Doug Burgum signs House Bill 1307 and other ‘Back the Blue’ bills on April 18, 2023. HB 1307 provides $3.5 million in grants for recruitment, retention and training tuition through mid-2025 to police departments across the state. Photo provided by the Office of the Governor.
    Gov. Doug Burgum signs House Bill 1307 and other ‘Back the Blue’ bills on April 18, 2023. HB 1307 provides $3.5 million in grants for recruitment, retention and training tuition through mid-2025 to police departments across the state. Photo provided by the Office of the Governor.
  • Photo by Nicholas Coleman of Utah, who was in Eagle Point, Minnesota visiting for the holidays.
    Photo by Nicholas Coleman of Utah, who was in Eagle Point, Minnesota visiting for the holidays.
  • Photo of a frosty morning in the woods last week by Christine Jensen.
    Photo of a frosty morning in the woods last week by Christine Jensen.
  • More creative efforts needed to ‘Back the Blue’
    More creative efforts needed to ‘Back the Blue’
    Communities statewide are struggling to fill vacant law enforcement positions. Recent legislative measures for grants to attract officers with oneoff bonuses and more advertising haven’t filled the many openings, community leaders say. The situation is particularly problematic in smaller communities, they include, with housing and other service shortfalls. The recent death...

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