NCJ Number
81599
Date Published
1978
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This report projects police training needs in Minnesota over the period 1980-2000 and makes cost comparisons for two training delivery options. Economic techniques are employed in the analyses.
Abstract
This market projection will enable individuals and agencies to plan their educational, budgetary, and capital needs so that changes in public safety wants are met with minimal delay. The trained personnel market components examined are (1) projected demand for peace officers, (2) determinants of peace officer supply, and (3) cost comparisons of the training delivery options. The cost comparisons are made of training provision through either the community colleges exclusively or the area vocational technical institutes (vo-techs) exclusively. Results indicate that the number of recruits to be trained in the future is likely to decline from the levels of 1965-75. After training has stabilized, a statewide capacity for producing approximately 300 newly trained officers annually may be an appropriate estimate of training delivery needs. For the State to educate such graduates exclusively at community colleges rather than at the vo-techs with an expanded number of programs, an annual cost savings of more than $85,000 would occur. Economic theory predicts that individuals should pay training costs if officers' wages are competitive, but such costs should be shared with the State or local agency if wages are not competitive. Charts, a table, and footnotes are provided. A technical appendix provides background information on the projection of police training needs for the State over the period 1980-2000. The discussion uses an econometric model of demand for police, where the selection of explanatory variables is guided by economic theory. The figures presented describe what would result if the assumptions concerning trends in variables such as population, violent crime, and taxable valuation prove correct.