NCJ Number
81098
Date Published
1948
Length
167 pages
Annotation
This 1948 study on Wisconsin's State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies reveals numerous problems of obsolescence, duplication, and poor coordination and suggests consolidations and other reforms to improve police efficiency.
Abstract
Wisconsin early adopted the traditional sheriff-constable system of law enforcement, but this arrangement does not always enhance the effectiveness of modern police agencies who face different crime problems complicated by improved transportation and communications. A review of State enforcement agencies covers the Governor's authority, the State traffic patrol, conservation wardens, the fire marshall, and inspectors from departments such as the Board of Health. It criticizes highway safety programs and contends that the 43-man State traffic patrol is inadequate. The survey of county law enforcement focuses on the sheriff, but also describes the responsibilities of the coroner, country traffic patrol, humane officer, and dance hall inspector. Municipal agencies are divided into four groups: town, willage, city, and fire chiefs. These discussions note that county policing systems are not uniform or coordinated and emphasize apprehension rather than prevention. Proposed reforms include replacing the coroner with a qualified, appointed medical examiner and abolishing the office of town constable. Aids to the integration of law enforcement efforts are examined, including radio systems, the State crime laboratory, and the FBI. Also considered are laws governing arrests and the district attorney's role. The historical development of State policing systems in other States is traced, as is the movement in Wisconsin to establish such as system. Arguments against this arrangement are summarized, with attention to organized labor's opposition, along with the benefits of a centralized system. A summary emphasizes that Wisconsin's 1,861 local law enforcement jurisdictions duplicate activities, are costly to the taxpayer, and confuse the public. The study recommends the creation of a centralized Department of Public Safety and several minor changes to individual agencies and statutes. Tables and maps are provided.