NCJ Number
142828
Date Published
1993
Length
83 pages
Annotation
This futures research focused on what municipal police services and financial support considerations will exist by the year 2002, based on an examination of small-to-medium law enforcement agencies in California.
Abstract
A survey questionnare sent to 109 executives of small and medium municipal police departments in California looked at issues related to structure and philosophy of police service delivery and police agency funding. In 91 returned surveys, respondents revealed a strong philosophical commitment to community policing, enhanced budget control, and combining functional areas. Future trends and events that could impact the structure and funding of municipal law enforcement by the year 2002 were identified, including local economic support for the police, police service regionalization, public demand for police accountability, jail and prison space, level of State support, and Federal and State mandates. A forecast of events was then completed using the expert panel approach, and a strategic management plan was developed for the Coronado Police Department, a small agency of 42 sworn officers in San Diego County. Appendixes provide further information on the futures study of police service delivery. 39 endnotes, 13 tables, and 16 illustrations