NCJ Number
96888
Date Published
1983
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This second evaluation of Michigan's Sheriffs' Secondary Road Patrol Program, whereby a city or village receives State funds to have county sheriffs provide law enforcement services for secondary roads, finds the program to be both successful and cost effective.
Abstract
Data on activity and salaries for 1981 were obtained from a 17-county sample. The evaluation examined county support of the program, productivity levels, costs of a State-funded Secondary Road Patrol deputy versus the cost of a county-supported deputy, and accident rates. The Secondary Road Patrol Program has evolved since the first evaluation (1979-80) from being viewed as a funding replacement program to a fully accepted accident prevention program. Most sheriffs in the sample believe the program is successful and have high expectations for the deputies. Most counties have maintained the same number of county-supported deputies they had in 1978 or increased the number. The sample counties generally maintained or surpassed 1980 productivity levels. Citations per officer increased, as did the number of motorists assisted, drunk driving arrests, assistance to other law enforcement officers, and criminal arrests. Accidents investigated and crime complaints taken decreased. The cost charged the State for a Secondary Road Patrol deputy is lower than what the counties are paying for their own road patrol deputies. Most counties were supplementing the Secondary Road Patrol grant with their own monies. The data did not prove a conclusive relationship between accident rates and program operations. Maps, graphs, and tables are supplied.