NCJ Number
150111
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 18 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 46-47,75
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Resort communities, which typically have seasonal radical population changes, have found it cost-effective to employ sworn seasonal officers during peak population periods; such employment can also boost the careers of participating officers.
Abstract
With lower pay than permanent officers and usually no benefits, seasonal officers are often drawn from the ranks of students in criminal justice programs at colleges and universities. The department acquires the services of a motivated, educated applicant; and the seasonal officer receives basic training, an experience in real police work, and, in many cases, college credits. Training is the crucial factor in preparing seasonal officers for effective service and protecting the department from liability. Some States have established minimum training standards for seasonal officers; New Jersey, for example, requires 330 hours of academy training. Seasonal officers are often under field training officers for a number of weeks before being on their own. Although seasonal officers have most of the powers and responsibilities of permanent officers, there may be some restrictions, such as no undercover work. Although departmental managers acknowledge that seasonal officers make many rookie mistakes, the benefits of such officers far outweigh the disadvantages.