GREENVILLE, S.C. —

Upstate law enforcement agencies are facing unique challenges with recruiting and retaining qualified officers as vacancies plague municipalities and jurisdictions across the nation.

Whether serving an urbanized area spanning hundreds of miles or being the hub of a rural part of town, experienced hires are becoming harder to find. It leaves agencies hurting for help.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police released a report that surveyed agencies in 2024. More than 70% of respondents reported recruitment being more difficult than five years ago. Agencies are operating on an average of 91% of their authorized staffing levels, nearly a 10% deficit.

What is more alarming, resignation was occurring most often within the first five years of an officer's hire. Th

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