NCJ Number
114101
Date Published
1988
Length
107 pages
Annotation
Through systematic futures research, this study examines the feasibility of civilianizing the police traffic function, both accident investigation and enforcement, in the Los Angeles Police Department.
Abstract
An examination of civilianization trends within law enforcement and within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) indicate that this practice has relieved sworn officers for more critical duties, thus addressing the shortage of personnel resources. Several departments currently are using civilians in traffic accident investigation. To forecast the future of civilianization, relevant trends and events are identified. A cross-impact analysis of these are used to develop three possible scenarios, including a most desired future state. This last is used as the basis of a mission statement and for strategic, implementation, and transition management plans. It is concluded that civilianization of the traffic accident investigation is imminently feasible and is currently practiced by several departments with great cost savings. While civilianization of the traffic enforcement function is more controversial, a pilot program, emphasizing officer safety, is proposed to test both investigation and enforcement. In the transition management plan, a City-wide oversight committee is recommended as a means of monitoring and evaluating the experimental program and its possible later expansion. Civilianization of traffic within the LAPD has the potential to relieve approximately 700 experienced, sworn officers for reassignment to criminal law enforcement duties. 2 appendixes, 11 references, and an 18-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)