Executive Summary

A strong majority of respondents—between 74% and 89%—say police officers should be recruited from the communities they patrol, viewing non‑local officers as an “occupying force” that harms trust. [1]

• Local recruitment is seen as key to building trust between police and residents.
• Hiring locally is believed to reduce the perception of policing as an occupying force.
• Policy recommendation: prioritize hiring candidates who live in or are culturally connected to the neighborhoods they will serve.

What People Believe

Police should be from the communities they patrol

A majority of respondents agree that police officers should be recruited from the communities they serve (74‑89%). [1] Respondents view non‑local officers as resembling an occupying force, suggesting community‑based recruitment is seen as key to building trust. [1]

Suggested Policies and Actions

Recruit officers from local communities

Police departments and municipal hiring authorities should implement hiring practices that prioritize candidates who reside in or are culturally connected to the neighborhoods they will patrol, so the police force reflects the community it serves. [1] Survey results show that 74 %–89 % of respondents agree that officers drawn from the communities they serve reduce the perception of policing as an occupying force. [1] Respondents view non‑local officers as resembling an occupying force, indicating that community‑based recruitment is seen as essential for building trust. [1]