Expert: Loren Stevens - 2/5/2008

Question
Hi I'm going through the criminal justice program right now, working towards parole or probation. I'm having a hard time answering this question, I thought maybe you could give me some input. The question for my class project is... "How does a department of 20 or more sworn personnel determine the size of the patrol division and how do they detrmine coverage areas?" Please reply when you get a chance. Thank you! Sarah

Answer
Hello Sarah,
Good question. Unfortunately, there really is no "absolute" template answer.
There are an abundance of variables: urban, rural, a mix of both, proximity of adjoining metro/jurisdictions, possibly international boundary's e.g., Detroit etc.
In basic terms, you need to know the square miles of coverage, population + tourists.
A big consideration, will be based on the UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) data, which illustrates part1,2,3 offenses. You'll want to coordinate that data with frequency, and locations, in order to place your officers with respect to "reported" crime stats. I say "reported"  as there are several crimes that go unreported. Intelligence of the activity in the jurisdiction will be useful.
There will be MOU's ( memorandum of understanding) with overlapping agencies..city PD, county Sheriff's office, and state law enforcement, usually at least highway patrol.
That, determines responsibility for who does what/when/where.
Then, if you have other considerations e.g., Indian casinos, reservations etc. You'll also be dealing with BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs), and, if there is a military facility etc etc....
You'll probably have to start out (real world) with the $. What is the budget appropriation for "widget police department"??
You can figure conservatively about 85% of the appropriation for personnel costs. Then, add equipment, rentals, services, capital needs, etc. You can eat up that 15% in a heartbeat....
Does your agency have detention responsibilities? Even a misdemeanor jail is costly, and needs to be appropriately staffed.
Communications is essential, so factor that in.
You do the calculus....you need to cover three shifts, seven days a week, with an understanding of 40 hours per week per employee.
Off the top of my head, I'd be inclined to make the agency ALL patrol oriented, and train for "generalists" to accommodate most police needs. The supervisors will need to be more trained, and act as linebackers, helping with follow-up investigations.
If there is older veterans, I would try to have them do what follow up investigations are necessary. Or, any officer on "light duty" for medical recovery etc.
Clearly, these officers will have to wear lots of hats.
To determine a patrol "DIVISION" is a stretch, given these modest figures to begin with.
Keep in mind, in the eyes of the customer"tax paying citizen", the uniform patrol cop is what they see as priority.
Any attendant positions, or support staff is secondary to those who pay the bills.
Anyhow, you'll want to factor in "calls for service" as staffing consideration.
You might want to thumb through a police administration text. Even an old one by O.W.Wilson would be sufficient to fill in the holes you seek.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck, and regards,
loren