Raleigh Invested In Public Safety. Now It Must Focus On Retention.

Authored by Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh Director, John Cerqueira

Raleigh is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. With that growth comes new opportunities, challenges, and demands on the public services residents rely on.  

Last week, the Raleigh City Council approved a budget that includes nearly $20 million in additional funding for public safety, including approximately $3.8 million to support 23 new police officer positions. This investment reflects what many residents already know: keeping Raleigh safe requires a police department that can keep pace with the city’s growth.

The council deserves credit for recognizing that reality. The approved budget is only the first step. In recent months, incidents of violence across Raleigh have raised new concerns about public safety. Occurring in downtown areas, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods, many residents are left questioning whether the city is keeping up. In each case, the Raleigh Police Department responded quickly and professionally. But taken together, these incidents point to a broader concern: As Raleigh grows, so do the demands on the officers responsible for keeping it safe.

Today, the Raleigh Police Department is operating with approximately 80 vacant officer positions, placing increased strain on existing officers. At the same time, residents remain deeply concerned about crime, downtown safety, and whether city leadership is doing enough to prepare for the future.

The good news is Raleigh residents recognize the importance of a strong police force. Recent polling shows 74% of voters support funding for 300 new officers. But bringing in new recruits is only part of the equation. Officer retention is critical. If the city cannot keep the officers it trains, the cycle of vacancies and associated costs will continue.

Right now, Raleigh is losing ground in a competitive, regional market. While city leaders have taken important steps in recent years to improve compensation,  starting salaries for Raleigh police officers still fall behind neighboring jurisdictions of Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and Knightdale.

At the same time, the rising cost of living in Raleigh makes it difficult for officers to afford to live in the community they serve. This can result in officers leaving for better paying opportunities elsewhere. When an officer leaves, Raleigh loses both experience and the investment made to train them.

The all-in cost of training, salary, and benefits for a new officer is roughly $100,000 per year, and it takes about two years before an officer is fully trained and able to respond to calls. When a trained officer leaves, Raleigh taxpayers are forced to pay that cost again.

Retention is not just about pay. Officers also need access to the tools to do their jobs safely and effectively. Modern equipment, up-to-date technology, and adequate facilities are necessities. When officers feel properly equipped, it strengthens their sense of organizational support, from both the department and the city. Which, in turn, reduces burnout and improves morale.

Morale matters, because officers who have the support they need are more likely to stay. And those committed, experienced officers are the backbone of effective policing. They know the neighborhoods. They’ve built relationships with residents. They can de-escalate tense situations and respond quickly when seconds matter. Their presence creates continuity and trust.

Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce has set an ambitious goal of making Raleigh “the safest city in America.” It’s a vision worth striving for. But it cannot be achieved without improving officer retention.

If Raleigh wants to be the safest city in America, it won’t get there by constantly starting over. City leaders must stay focused on retaining the officers we already have – because public safety isn’t just about how many we hire, but how many we keep.

Recruitment may bring officers in the door. Retention is what keeps Raleigh safe. We thank the Raleigh City Council for unanimously supporting this important public safety investment. Residents who support this progress should thank their council members as well — and urge City leaders to keep building on it by staying focused on recruiting, retaining, and equipping the officers Raleigh needs.