NCJ Number
230888
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 77 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 66,68,70
Date Published
May 2010
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses several ways that small and medium-sized police agencies can improve their services to the public during an economic downturn.
Abstract
This article examines the effect that the recession of 2009 has had on police agency budgets. As a result of the recession, many law enforcement agencies may be facing large budget cuts. At the same time, however, the general public continues to expect the same level of services from law enforcement. These decreasing budgets and high expectations require the development of more effective policing methods. This article discusses three activities that could help local law enforcement agencies make the most of limited resources. The activities are: obtain a community mandate to identify what matters most; use officer discretionary time to advance agency goals; and innovate through collaboration. Examples of these activities as used by local law enforcement agencies are presented in the article. 14 notes