NCJ Number
153680
Journal
MIS Reports Volume: 26 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1994) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report spotlights several funding sources used instead of or in addition to property taxes to pay for public safety services and distinguishes between basic and advanced services.
Abstract
Many local governments have found that nontraditional revenue sources, such as charges to beneficiaries in the form of special assessments, license and permit fees, inspection charges, user fees, and subscription and membership fees, can offset some of the costs of providing desired public safety services. Such charges, however, raise the question of equity and involve political, administrative, and legal issues. Public safety services have diversified, and police departments now both serve and protect. The diversification in services is an outgrowth of both increased public education and awareness and technological advances. Other significant trends that affect public safety services include demographic changes and the private sector concept of sensitivity to customer needs. Local governments experiencing service growth may not have adequate revenue to cover increased operating, facility, and equipment costs and meet increased service demands. An innovative approach to service provision is described that distinguishes between basic and advanced services. Beneficiary and user fees can be levied for advanced services, although pricing, political, and administrative concerns should guide fee implementation. Case studies involving the use of fees to provide additional public safety services are included. 9 references, 1 table, and 2 figures