Small Towns in America Disband Police Forces, Finding Silver Linings

Small towns across America are disbanding their police forces due to hiring difficulties, exacerbating the ongoing shortage of police officers. The exodus from law enforcement, fueled by low morale following the pandemic and criticism of police, has led to resignations increasing by 47% and retirements by 19%. Young people are also less inclined to undergo the necessary training to become police officers. As a result, small towns are turning to county sheriffs or neighboring towns for law enforcement duties. Despite concerns, crime rates have remained unchanged in towns that have dissolved their police departments.