More sworn officers were hired in 2023 than in any one of the previous four years, according to the 214 law enforcement agencies that responded to a survey by the Police Executive Research Forum. As more and more officers left, many of the departments had to redeploy stretched resources by shifting officers away from investigative work or quality of life issues to handle increases in crime. The survey also showed smaller departments with fewer than 50 officers are still struggling with a higher rate of resignations and retirements.