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POLICE MANPOWER ALTERNATIVES

NCJ Number
41405
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 25 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1977) Pages: 44,46-50
Author(s)
C L QUARLES
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE REASONS FOR USING SWORN AND NONSWORN POLICE PERSONNEL.
Abstract
THERE ARE NUMEROUS MANPOWER ALTERNATIVES TO THE USE OF SWORN POLICE OFFICERS WORKING WITHIN EVERY DIVISION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. THESE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD BE MADE BY EVERY POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE WHERE CIVILIANS OR NONSWORN OFFICERS MAY BE USED. THE BENEFITS, WHERE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ARE PROMULGATED, ARE: 1) DOLLAR SAVINGS; 2) THE INCREASED AVAILABILITY OF POLICE OFFICERS TO THEIR PRIMARY TASK; 3) CIVILIAN SPECIALISTS, PREPARED FOR THE TASK AT HAND, MAY WELL BEST SERVE IN MANY POSITIONS; 4) PRODUCTIVITY IS INCREASED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND IN THE SPECIALIZED AUXILIARY SERVICES BECAUSE THE BEST PEOPLE ARE WORKING IN THEIR OWN AREA OF EXPERTISE. MORALE, MOTIVATION, AND PRODUCTIVITY ARE AT THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL WHEN THE BEST PEOPLE ARE PLACED IN THE POSITIONS FOR WHICH THEY ARE QUALIFIED. THE USE OF NONSWORN PERSONNEL SHOULD ALWAYS BE MADE WITH THE BROADEST BASES OF POLICE EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS, AND ECONOMY AS THE PRIMARY CONSIDERATION.(AUTHOR ABSTRACT).. ..BDS