Date

8-20-2026

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration (PhD)

Chair

Colin B. Ashburn

Keywords

law enforcement, staffing shortage, public administration, Social Exchange Theory, Public Service Motivation, mixed-methods

Disciplines

Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between perceived support from public administrators and law enforcement supervisors/executives and staffing levels in Central Texas law enforcement agencies. Guided by Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Public Service Motivation (PSM), the research investigated how administrative and supervisory support influences vacancy and turnover rates, two key indicators of staffing stability. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed to integrate quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Quantitative data were collected from agency records and surveys administered to sworn law enforcement personnel across the Central Texas region (defined for this study as the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) associated counties). Semi-structured interviews with current and former law enforcement officers capture nuanced insights into their experiences of organizational support. Analysis contextualized these findings within the lived realities of officers, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing staffing challenges in the region. The findings inform policy and management practices that enhance officer retention, strengthen organizational culture, and improve public safety outcomes. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by linking public administration leadership practices with law enforcement staffing trends at the regional level.

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