NCJ Number
209787
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Dated: 2005 Pages: 30-48
Date Published
2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study explored the use of risk management in some large municipal and county law enforcement agencies in the United States and identifies factors and perceived impact associated with the adoption risk management programs by law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
Risk management is a process that is used to identify potential risks and liabilities that could result in some kind of loss for both public and private organizations. There is little to no known published research that examines the use of risk management in law enforcement agencies in the United States. This study presents qualitative data illustrating how some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States use risk management in their efforts to control police liability. The study explored all municipal and county law enforcement agencies that employ 200 or more sworn police officers and identified 354 such agencies. Findings indicate that very few, less than 1 percent use risk management in their effort to control the frequency and costs associated with their organizations. Potential factors for this finding are that there is limited formal training available for risk management geared toward law enforcement, lack of available resources in adopting such a program, and the lack of risk management information or literature. Future research should explore the reasons why police agencies choose not to use risk management in their police liability management efforts. Notes, references