NCJ Number
34760
Journal
Criminology Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (MAY 1976) Pages: 65-92
Date Published
1976
Length
28 pages
Annotation
THIS PAPER CHALLENGES THE POPULAR CLAIM THAT POLICE LABOR SHORTAGES EXISTED IN LARGE AMERICAN CITIES DURING THE LATE 1960'S AND EARLY 1970'S.
Abstract
EMPIRICAL TESTS OF A POLICE SALARY DETERMINATION MODEL REVEAL THAT POLICE MANAGERS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS POSSESS ONLY LIMITED DIRECT CONTROL OVER POLICE WAGES. HENCE, MANIPULATION OF POLICE MANPOWER UTILIZATION PRACTICES (AND, MORE BASICALLY, LABOR SUPPLY TO POLICE DEPARTMENTS) IS THE PRINCIPAL WAY OF OVERCOMING 'LABOR SHORTAGES'. IN RECENT YEARS, THIS HAS INCLUDED SUBSTITUTION OF CLERICAL FOR SWORN PERSONNEL, ELIMINATION OF NON-JOB-RELATED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, AND EXPANSION OF AUXILIARY POLICE FORCES. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)