Recruiting is about screening in the widest pool of breadth and quality. Selection is about screening in and screening out after application received. Role re-definition and enhanced skills spell increased credibility and professionalism. Active, aggressive targeted recruiting will address improved selection. Resourceful, innovative advertising to include values, realistically and accurately detailing the job and the requirements from the profile, the challenges and career opportunities - not a media model of policing.
Military experience is no panacea to police recruiting for the new role.
Good education standard is critical. Targeting college graduates is valuable. Consider offering tuition reimbursement programs, etc., to raise standards. Strenuously seek ways to recruit more mature officers, including consideration of contracted pension spans. Consider demography trends in forecasting future requirements.