NCJ Number
79751
Date Published
1980
Length
112 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated the Law Enforcement Planning Teams (LEPT's) in the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff's Office since its inception in 1975 with LEAA funding, with particular attention to the role of competent civilian professionals in planning and researching police department needs.
Abstract
This evaluation was conducted at the request of the Metropolitan Criminal Justice Advisory Council which has awarded the LEPT more than $400,000 in 6 consecutive grants since 1975. Data sources included project records and reports as well as interviews with the sheriff and his staff, the LEPT staff, and respondents from other law enforcement planning and research operations in Florida. The report first describes the LEPT's operations and role in the sheriff's office, including planning staff qualifications, their mission, and comparisons of the planning process before and after the LEPT was established. The LEPT's research and planning activities were analyzed by comparing project accomplishments to stated grant objectives. Based on interviews and questionnaires completed by sworn members of the sheriff's staff, intradepartmental and extradepartmental relationships of the LEPT were outlined. The dissemination of planning and research materials within the criminal justice system was also examined. Finally, the evaluation reviewed LEPT's efforts to compare the office's planning functions to published standards and goals for law enforcement and correctional planning and research. Findings agreed with surveyed respondents and the LEPT staff that the project had exceeded both the administration's expectations and their stated objectives. The appointment of the LEPT's senior planner as commander of the sheriff's research and planning unit was viewed as a step toward institutionalization of the project and support for civilian professionals in police planning. The LEPT helped the sheriff's office obtain $1.5 million in nonlocal funds which stimulated modern policing innovations. LEPT activities have produced cost savings, improved internal and external communications, and promoted the effective allocation of departmental resources. The report contains summaries of the evaluation's findings and recommendations, 13 references, a list of persons interviewed, a description of project activities by grant, and the LEPT's assessment of the office's implementation of national standards and goals.