NCJ Number
72974
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1980) Pages: 286-293
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A 2-year experience with zero-based budgeting (ZBB) of a midwestern police agency resulted in no major resource reallocations, but did result in a better understanding of their tasks by police managers.
Abstract
Top managers at the midwestern police agency were interviewed and asked to compare the advantages and disadvantages of ZBB. They found implementation of ZBB procedures very time-consuming, reported no evidence of major resource allocation, and revealed that negative attitudes among staff were produced by a lack of knowledge about ZBB. However, the emphasis by ZBB on measurable performance results to be obtained in a systematic way and insistence on cost-benefit analysis in evaluating use of existing manpower resulted in better program planning and a much better understanding by managers of their tasks. Thus, the primary benefits of ZBB accrued to managers in helping them develop a better management information control system and in helping them think about efficiency in existing programs. Tables and footnotes are included.