NCJ Number
119196
Date Published
1989
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the Federal government's use of the law enforcement job category and provides information on the number of employees and positions covered by the special retirement provisions of the civil service retirement system.
Abstract
Federal employees in the law enforcement officer retirement program receive more generous benefits that are more costly to provide than the retirement program for other employees because they retire earlier. Earlier retirement insures a young and vigorous law enforcement workforce. However, there is concern that agencies may be inappropriately classifying jobs as law enforcement positions to help employee recruitment and retention. The number of employees covered by the law enforcement officer special retirement benefits increased 32 percent from 1982 to 1987. During this time, the total number of positions approved for special retirement benefits increased 44 percent. The employing agencies reviewed attributed these increases to an expansion of the government's law enforcement programs.