The average American police officer is given great power that could have a tremendous impact on the citizens they serve. The officer is free to use his or her authority to detain citizens, search their property, use physical force against them, or deprive them of their normal freedoms (Moll, 2006). Based on this fact, the individual is expected to behave in a manner worthy of such power. The question plaguing citizens and government officials, then, is: How can we determine whether an individual will exercise these freedoms responsibly? How can we teach individuals to police responsibly? How do we retain those who are competent officers? In order to develop effective and responsible police officers, particular attention must be paid to the recruitment, training and retention of qualified people. The hiring process is the first step in separating the qualified people who will make up tomorrow's police force from those who will. does not meet the standard. A candidate must first pass a series of tests, interviews, and background investigations to even qualify as a potential hire. The process begins with an application and questionnaire that will communicate the individual's interest in the field and determine their eligibility. Next, the candidate will be asked to take an entrance exam that will assess their reading comprehension, problem-solving and writing skills, as these are the basic skills needed to perform the simplest policing duties (Discoverpolicing. org). This will be followed by a background check accompanied by a drug screen which will ensure that the individual does not have any personal or professional issues that would prevent them from serving on active duty. If......in the middle of the document......limited to: career guidance, continuing education program and assignment rotation, education reimbursements, employee contracts and take-out vehicle offering (Hubbard, nd). When it comes to low morale, individuals should feel able to give honest and candid feedback to colleagues and superiors without fear of humiliation or retaliation (Heartbeat staff, 2013). Those to whom we entrust effective and responsible oversight of our community must be exceptional and ethical. individuals. Once they have passed the checks and balances of the hiring system, they must receive proper and proven training so that they can do their jobs successfully. Additionally, agencies must provide incentives and active participation in agents' careers in order to retain these individuals. This will then provide the opportunity to build a stronger community by increasing trust in those we empower..