NCJ Number
99956
Date Published
1984
Length
242 pages
Annotation
This book provides a comprehensive examination of police resources allocation decisionmaking and offers a planning-budgeting-resources model for improving police performances, illustrated by the Manpower Allocation Review System developed by the author for the New York City Police Department.
Abstract
The initial chapters describe the development and character of the major types of resources allocation techniques and present survey information showing that the police resources allocation decisionmaking process is more complex than the literature implies. After demonstrating the political context of allocation decisionmaking, the book outlines a model that not only takes politics into account but also suggests that such conditions can be controlled. The author presents a socioeconomic view of the purpose of policing and emphasizes how neighborhood-level and realistic planning must be part of the resources allocation process. A discussion of police policy leadership observes that the contemporary police institution does not meet society's needs adequately because it is afflicted by a dedication to process rather than purpose. A new managerial approach is proposed that is purpose-oriented and accountable, and improves police decisionmaking by recognizing and manipulating the political element. Challenges that this approach pose for police managers and elected officials are explored. Tables, over 200 references, a reading list for the elected official, and an index are supplied.