NCJ Number
77849
Date Published
1981
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Findings are reported from a survey that compared benefits received by Illinois State Police (nonunion) with those in other States covered by collective bargaining.
Abstract
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Troopers, Inc., and the Fraternal Order of Police were contacted in an effort to obtain a complete list of the States that have collective bargaining agreements with the State police. The 16 States consistently cited were Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Surveys were sent to these States, and responses were received from all but Iowa, Maine, and Wisconsin. It was also learned that California, Nevada, and North Dakota have collective bargaining agreements with their State police agencies. Although surveys were not sent to these agencies, some available data about the benefits received by troopers in these States are included. Most of the data received were incomplete; in some instances, the data would not have been comparable because of the length of time collective bargaining has existed. The benefit areas that appear to have been gained from collective bargaining are dental insurance, work hours, personal leave, overtime compensation, special duty pay, and grievance procedures. Other areas mentioned in the contracts include notice of schedule changes, vacancy notices, internal investigations procedures, and benefits for retirees. It appears that the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement provides benefits comparable to those provided from collective bargaining. Should collective bargaining be instituted with Illinois State Police, the focal benefit areas would probably be dental insurance, State payment of hospitalization for families, and increased protection of employee rights. Tabular data are provided from the survey. (Author abstract modified)