NCJ Number
109803
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1988) Pages: 38-42
Editor(s)
J R Vaughn
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In 1987, an international survey on police operational characteristics, issues, and trends was conducted. The survey covered 14 major categories and was responded to by 2,914 law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Abstract
Results indicate that responding agencies are representative of the law enforcement community as a whole; a majority had fewer than 25 sworn personnel and served jurisdictions with populations under 50,000. Three-fourths of respondents reported increases in their budget over the prior fiscal year, but about half of these increases were 5 percent or less. A majority issued or permitted use of revolvers, flex cuffs, speed loaders, nightsticks, PR-24 batons, shotguns, and soft body armor. About 60 percent used computers, particularly for recordkeeping. A majority reported increases in Part I Index crimes, driving under the influence, and arrests. Civil and career service systems were predominant. While 87 percent have liability insurance, only 53 percent had a liability suit during 1986. Adequate funding for manpower training, and equipment and drug/enforcement/education were viewed as the most pressing legislative priorities, as well as the most pressing law enforcement priorities. Of agencies, 91 percent required at least a high school diploma, 81 percent had fitness standards, and most required a twice-yearly firearms qualification test. Education priorities for patrol officers included survival training, community/human relations, driver training, report writing, and crisis intervention. Supervision and management training were seen as priorities for supervisors and executives.