NCJ Number
224942
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 31 Issue: 3 Dated: 2008 Pages: 380-394
Date Published
2008
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this paper is to present and test a particular theory of pricing of police services.
Abstract
Pricing practices of police services vary considerably among police departments with no underlying theory appearing in the practice of pricing police services. In general, non-profit community service organizations such as police and fire departments do not charge for their services. Yet, despite the public nature of these organizations, few deal in an entirely “free” mode. Most of them charge for at least some of the services that they provide. Despite that some charges are usually made, the issue of pricing in non-profit organizations is often a neglected area. The purpose of this paper is not to suggest methods for generating revenues, but to suggest that when generating revenues, it should be done sensibly. This paper begins by developing a theory of police pricing and then testing it using data collected from a mail survey of Chiefs of Police in Pennsylvania. The results of this research have the potential to lead to a more complete understanding of policing operations. Tables, references