NCJ Number
127278
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 52 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1990) Pages: 76-82
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The National Advisory Commission on Law Enforcement, created by Congress in 1989 to determine adequate salaries and benefits for Federal law enforcement personnel, has found that low pay scales, unpaid overtime, and housing costs are the primary causes of the government's difficulty in hiring and retaining qualified personnel.
Abstract
Through this study of more than 50,000 employees in 34 Federal agencies, the Commission found that, because of these deficiencies, severe personnel shortages exist in many communities. The most serious problem is in the pay gap between Federal and State or local law enforcement, particularly at the entry level. Although the pay disparity decreases as experience increases, the degree of equity depends in large part on location. Agencies in several large cities reported problems in recruiting and retaining qualified candidates, and particular difficulties in recruiting minorities and persons with language, computer, and accounting or legal skills. Mandatory retirement requirements are exacerbating the problems in filling vacancies. Overtime pay, housing costs, and benefits of employment are other factors which impact negatively on the ability of Federal law enforcement agencies to retain personnel. In addition to several short-term recommendations, the Commission recommended the creation of a new pay system for Federal law enforcement officers.