Communication Before, During, and After the Police Officer Selection Process: A Theory-Informed Perspective
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Police recruitment and hiring processes are often framed as administrative or procedural challenges, but they are fundamentally shaped by communication. This article examines the role of communication in police staffing, emphasizing how organizational expectations, selection criteria, and agency culture are transmitted to candidates throughout the hiring process. Despite wide variation in hiring practices across jurisdictions, one constant is the agencies’ responsibility to effectively communicate with applicants. Drawing from the communication theory, particularly the intergroup communication and communication accommodation theory, we explore how these frameworks can inform more effective, transparent, and responsive recruitment strategies. We highlight how mismatches between organizational messaging and candidate perception may affect both hiring outcomes and long-term retention. The article concludes with practical policy recommendations for agencies to guide future inquiry into the communicative dynamics of police hiring.
Source: Criminal Justice Policy Review
Authors: Charles Scheer, Shawn Hill, Jeremy Wilson
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,400
OpenAlex ID: W7222815520