NCJ Number
172996
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 65 Issue: 3 Dated: March 1998 Pages: 42-46
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
As police agencies are asked to do more with less funding, they must adopt creative funding tactics and programs.
Abstract
The Tempe Police Department (Arizona) is spending less while adding value to its services through the use of volunteers. Volunteers' capabilities, schedules, and areas of interest are matched with departmental needs, and training is provided by the supervisor who will oversee their work. Fundraising in the classic sense may be anathema to police officials, but some departments have seen the need and taken the plunge. Of those that have, success has been the rule. One such effort was undertaken in the Adopt-A-Car Program of the police department in Crown Point, Ind. Local businesses were asked to donate $1,500 dollars each to help purchase 10 new police cars. In return, the department painted "This vehicle is equipped by (business name)" in letters 1 1/2 inches high on the back of the car. Other means of raising department revenues are a "check-off" donation program built into State income taxes, a percentage of restitution money raised, a proportion of sales taxes, and the creation of support clubs that are joined through donations for law enforcement. The Federal Government has assisted police departments through the 1033 Program. It makes State and local police departments the recipients of everything from railroad cars to backpacks, all free of charge. The new trend in government equipment seems to be leasing. Police agencies are beginning to lease everything from cars to weapons. Some police agencies are taking advantage of leasing or lease-purchase programs for communications equipment.