The Honolulu Police Department, city leaders and union officials are collaborating to recruit and retain officers as vacancies have hit an all-time high.

According to HPD’s Human Resources Division, as of July 1 there were 465 vacancies for uniformed officers and 189 civilian openings — and 228 officers eligible for retirement.

Recruiting and retaining police officers is a challenge nationwide as attitudes toward the profession shift and job seekers prioritize work-life balance.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police surveyed 1,118 police departments last year, and more than 70% of respondents reported that recruitment is more difficult now than it was five years ago.

Respondents said that resignation is most likely within the “first five years of hire” and that retaining of

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