Events

Join public safety leaders from across the nation for Restoring the Ranks, a one-day summit focused on actionable solutions to address the law enforcement recruitment and retention crisis. Presented by the National Law Enforcement Museum and the University of Virginia’s Center for Public Safety and Justice, cohosted by the National Association of Professional Staff in Public Safety and in partnership with the National Association of Counties and the National Academy of Public Administration, this conference brings together elected officials, public administrators, and law enforcement professionals for a day of collaborative, expert-led sessions.

This event goes beyond identifying problems. It’s about developing real strategies—grounded in practice—for cities, counties, and states to reshape the future of policing. With a focus on what’s within local and state control—hiring, training pipelines, funding, community trust, and organizational culture…participants will walk away with tools to make measurable change.

Who Should Attend

This summit is designed for leaders and practitioners invested in strengthening public safety, including:

• Chiefs and Sheriffs
• Elected Officials
• Law Enforcement Executives
• City and County Managers
• Human Resource and Recruiting Professionals
• Professional Staff in Public Safety
• Criminal Justice Policy Experts

Why Attend

Workforce challenges threaten the future of public safety. This conference offers:

• Field-tested ideas for recruitment and retention that agencies can implement immediately
• Strategies to build sustainable pipelines and diversify the law enforcement workforce
• Honest conversations about what’s broken and what’s working
• A platform to exchange ideas across sectors and jurisdictions

Whether you’re a chief rethinking your recruitment strategy or an administrator crafting policy, this conference will equip you to act.

Key Highlights

• Panel Discussions: Cross-sector leaders, including law enforcement executives, elected officials, and public administrators, will explore the root causes of recruitment and retention challenges and share what’s working in today’s workforce crisis.
• Workshops: Focused sessions on community-based recruitment, building sustainable career pipelines, shaping agency culture, and navigating leadership in politicized environments.
• 3-Minute Solutions Forum: Rapid-fire ideas from practitioners across the country who have implemented creative, real-world solutions to drive recruitment and improve retention.
• Facilitated Roundtables: Interactive, peer-led discussions on budgeting for workforce needs, branding the profession, bipartisan support, and leveraging social media to tell your agency’s story.
• Networking Reception: Unwind and connect with fellow attendees over complimentary appetizers, beer, and wine after a day of insight and collaboration.
• Actionable Takeaways: Return home with proven strategies, case studies, and innovative approaches your agency can apply immediately to attract, support, and retain a modern public safety workforce.