NCJ Number
130022
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1991) Pages: 33,36
Date Published
1991
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Any discussion of international law enforcement should consider the drawbacks of policing in the United States.
Abstract
The United States has an estimated 780,000 law enforcement officers in over 15,000 Federal, State, and local agencies. Local governments employ the largest number of police officers, and most are in departments of under 25 officers. California was the first State to establish voluntary police standards in 1959. New York enacted similar standards in 1960, but made them mandatory. Since then, about 40 States have established either voluntary or mandatory standard-setting agencies. Each State has different standards, and there are no national standards for law enforcement personnel selection and training. Many States allow collective bargaining for police, but some officer organizations have no right to bargain and serve only as social organizations. Some local police departments belong to national unions, although many negotiate for compensation, benefits, and employment conditions individually. The civil rights of many police officers are questionable. Officers accused of misconduct can be investigated and punished with no defense rights. Almost half of all police recruits leave their first department within 5 years. About 200 officers are killed each year, and many officers are regularly assaulted and forced to retire because of injuries. Employment benefits of police officers generally and in California specifically are noted.