The exact age range of birth years for millennials can be hard to pin down. Some researchers have defined “Generation Y” as beginning in the mid-1970s, and some put the end point in the mid-2000s. But the most common definitions place millennials as those born roughly between 1982 and 2000.
This means the oldest members of the millennial generation are well into their careers, while the youngest are just graduating high school.
Characteristics of the millennial generation
Millennials have gotten a lot of bad press. Older generations have labeled millennials as entitled, lazy, and self-absorbed.
Millennials are known for questioning authority. In fact, a recent poll found that less than half of millennials trust the police.
They are less drawn to tradition than previous generations. And millennials tend to be job hoppers. Gen-Xers typically changed jobs two times in their first 10 years out of college. Millennials average four job changes before they turn 32.
However, the millennial generation has plenty of good characteristics. Studies have shown that millennials have high ethical standards, are willing to work hard and are highly trainable. Millennials want to be part of something bigger, and they value purpose more than paychecks.
These qualities can make millennials great police officers. But police departments may have to make some changes to attract and keep millennial officers.
Here are a few places to ways to more effectively recruit, train, and supervise millennials in law enforcement:
