MANAGERIAL RESPONSES TO PERCEIVED LABOR SHORTAGES - THE CASE OF POLICE

• NCJ Number: 34760
• Journal: Criminology Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (MAY 1976) Pages: 65-92
• Author(s): D LEWIN; J H KEITH
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 28 pages
• Corporate Author: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS PAPER CHALLENGES THE POPULAR CLAIM THAT POLICE LABOR SHORTAGES EXISTED IN LARGE AMERICAN CITIES DURING THE LATE 1960'S AND EARLY 1970'S.

Abstract

EMPIRICAL TESTS OF A POLICE SALARY DETERMINATION MODEL REVEAL THAT POLICE MANAGERS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS POSSESS ONLY LIMITED DIRECT CONTROL OVER POLICE WAGES. HENCE, MANIPULATION OF POLICE MANPOWER UTILIZATION PRACTICES (AND, MORE BASICALLY, LABOR SUPPLY TO POLICE DEPARTMENTS) IS THE PRINCIPAL WAY OF OVERCOMING 'LABOR SHORTAGES'. IN RECENT YEARS, THIS HAS INCLUDED SUBSTITUTION OF CLERICAL FOR SWORN PERSONNEL, ELIMINATION OF NON-JOB-RELATED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, AND EXPANSION OF AUXILIARY POLICE FORCES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)