NCJ Number
97014
Journal
Journal of Crime and Justice Volume: 6 Dated: (1983) Pages: 103-122
Date Published
1983
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Study data from 450 cities analyzed in a Fraternal Order of Police publication examining police salaries in 1981 found that the salaries and fringe benefits paid to police officers varied widely among police agencies and municipalities of varying population.
Abstract
The average salary for a beginning patrolman was $14,400, and police chiefs were paid an average of $28,962. Large cities paid much higher salaries than small cities. The average number of work hours per week was 40.1, and the average vacation time was 23.2 days per year. Employing agencies paid an average of 91.9 percent of all hospitalization. Most cities had some form of longevity pay, and most paid some form of overtime compensation. The majority of cities paid no shift differential. City size strongly affected the number of police officers in an agency. Cities with civil service systems paid more than those without such systems. Higher base pay for patrol officers was associated with more vacation days, more paid holidays, fewer hours worked, lower clothing allowances, and higher life insurance. Data tables presenting ranges and correlations as well as a list of 12 references are supplied.