Because cities have had high increases in living costs and haven't increased police salaries to match, making suburban and rural policing jobs more attractive.

This problem has been getting solved with overtime pay for more than a decade. Sergeants in notoriously corrupt and terrible Oakland PD make upwards of 500k/yr.

Overtime pay is not a solution, because the overtime is largely going to protect specific stores like Apple Stores and not patrolling the streets.

I agree. Why would you think that anything different would happen if base pay was increased?

The police union plays a large role. They reject candidates that don’t toe the line and heavily favor nepotistic hires. It’s the only union that needs to be busted.

What agencies have you applied for? I’m in process with 4 right now and none have asked me for my personal beliefs. All my interviews focused on deescalation, using appropriate force etc.