NCJ Number
85001
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 49 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 40-45
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the use of contracts between law enforcement training academies and police departments, and officer candidates to discourage turnover among new police officers, thus reducing losses incurred through expensive training.
Abstract
The Nebraska State Police has implemented a contract program that require recruits who graduate from the academy to serve a minimum 18-month period or to reimburse the State patrol up to $3,500 for the training received. The Largo Police Department of Largo, Fla., has established a similar program, in which eight officers have signed to date. Under the Largo contract, each applicant agrees to a 2-year term of employment after completion of training or repays the department approximately $8,800. Surprisingly, the program has not had a negative recruiting impact. The general philosophy behind police personnel repaying the police department for their training through years of service or reimbursement is relatively new to policing. Contracts offer various benefits for the police managers, supervisor, and officer, and appear to be a legitimate managerial answer to the high turnover rates of newly trained police officers.