Regional Recruitment Partnership

In the Triangle region, recruiting new candidates to the profession that meet rigorous standards for professional and personal integrity is a goal so important that it crosses town and city lines. Through the Regional Recruitment Partnership, a collaborative effort between Triangle J Council of Governments and law enforcement agencies spanning seven counties, departments hope to reach a broad and diverse audience with an important message: our region is committed to better partnerships, better communities, and better policing.

The Regional Recruitment Partnership launched its first campaign, Committed to Better, in October of 2020 as a research-driven effort to reach high-quality law enforcement candidates that reflect our region's diversity and values and are committed to continuous improvement, serving their fellow community members, and building emotional intelligence. 

Participating departments included the towns of Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Hillsborough, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Princeton, Rolesville, Smithfield, Southern Pines, Wendell and Zebulon, and the city of Sanford.

Learn more about the campaign at committedtobetter.org

Department Perspectives
 
"Public safety is a critical component to quality of life, and we know that, when we collectively enhance public safety in the region, all our communities benefit. This opportunity to highlight the impact a person can make by serving as a police officer, or in a non-sworn capacity at any of our agencies, allows candidates to make a difference for their families, friends and neighbors while fulfilling their desire to serve." - Chief John Letteney, Apex Police Department
 
"It is in all our best interests to work together and help solve this problem. A diverse and qualified applicant pool benefits us all. I fully expect that this effort will result in attracting enthusiastic, people who are willing to serve our communities in a way that is consistent with our communities’ expectations.” - Assistant Chief Jabe Hunter, Chapel Hill Police Department
 
“The Smithfield Police Department decided to participate with the hopes of filling vacant positions with qualified applicants. I hope that it will highlight our agency and give us a larger pool of applicants for future vacancies.” - Chief Keith Powell, Smithfield Police Department
 
"Strategic recruitment efforts such as the Sandbox Challenge initiative at TJCOG assist with meeting our goals to attract qualified and diversified 21st Century law enforcement officers. The quality of law enforcement has always depended upon the quality of its officers. This new initiative helps us continue to attract applicants that reflect the needs of the Town of Fuquay-Varina while embracing the principles of community policing, public service and cultural responsiveness." - Chief Laura Fahnestock, Fuquay-Varina Police Department

"Our goal is to hire the most qualified, capable and committed candidates that will represent the values of the town and the police department. The partnership provides an opportunity to enhance our recruitment efforts by partnering with regional law enforcement agencies to share recruitment ideas and solutions, in hopes of reaching a wider and more diverse applicant pool”. - Chief Nick Polidori, Southern Pines Police Department

Innovative Beginnings
The partnership grew out of the 2019-2020 Sandbox Challenge initiative at Triangle J Council of Governments which focuses on testing new ideas and solutions for challenges faced by multiple communities. Through the Sandbox framework, solutions can remain flexible and agile while they develop to identify opportunities that will assist as many local governments as possible.