NCJ Number
176096
Date Published
1996
Length
40 pages
Annotation
After an analysis of crime in Kansas, this report assesses the various means that might be used to ameliorate the crime problem in a cost-effective and equitable manner, with attention to privatization, problem-oriented policing, and community policing.
Abstract
Crime in Kansas has increased rapidly since the mid-1980s relative both to Minnesota and to the United States as a whole; however, the crime level in Kansas in 1992 was still below the national average. This report analyzes police activities, including patrol, criminal investigations, public assistance, and response to alarms. The criteria for public intervention in the market (or imperfections in the marketplace) are pure public good, externalities, economies of scale, and zero marginal costs. Almost all police services fail to satisfy these criteria and hence can be contracted out with limited public monitoring. Alternatively, if the police want to retain their monopolistic power, a minimal policy change would be to impose user charges, for example, fees for response to alarm activations. Patrol services that have few negative externalities could be privately provided and controlled by the residents of local districts. Tax refunds would be appropriate for local residents or civic organizations that manage their own security affairs. Problem- oriented policing and community policing change the role of the police. In both cases, greater initiative is required from police officers on the street. Problem-oriented policing changes the role of the police from reacting to crimes to preventing crimes. Community policing means greater community involvement in the use of police resources and more interaction by police officers with their constituents. Nine recommendations are offered for enhancing the use of private police, problem-oriented policing, and community policing. 58 footnotes