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What Is the Future of Retired Peace Officers as Volunteers in Law Enforcement?

NCJ Number
111015
Author(s)
P V Coleman
Date Published
1987
Length
156 pages
Annotation
Projections of future trends suggest that law enforcement in the 21st century will face manpower problems resulting from the declining entry-level worker population and dwindling public revenues resulting from a reduced tax base and loss of Federal revenue sharing.
Abstract
To examine the potential of using retired peace officers as a volunteer supplement to sworn officer strength, a survey was conducted of members of three retired peace officer associations. Responses of 98 former officers indicated that a majority were willing to volunteer in a variety of capacities, police administrators would welcome their return, and labor opposition could probably be overcome through negotiation. Legal implications of such a program are examined, including civil liability, workmen's compensation, and social security eligibility; strategies for resolving problems are suggested. While no precedent programs were found in a nationwide search, three programs using retired officers were identified in Illinois and California. A detailed transition plan is presented for reintroducing retired police volunteers into law enforcement agencies. The plan covers creation of policies, goals, and objectives, establishing a budget process; job descriptions; personnel recruitment, selection, orientation, and training; and program evaluation. Figures, 62 footnotes, 64 references, and appendixes.