The issue of manpower allocation for the patrol division of any police department is always a controversial issue for leaders and public officials. How many police officers should be on the street and how many a City/County can afford is hotly debated during Budget Workshops, City Council and County Commissioner meetings.
Citizens would like to see a police officer on every street corner. Administrators realize the need for a certain size compliment of police officers to meet the demands from both the citizens and the governmental body.
A sense of frustration develops when the demand for service exceeds what the agency is capable of meeting.
A mathematical equation alone should not be the deciding factor as to how many officers an agency needs. Consideration must be given to the agency mission, budget, special initiatives, and service demands.
If you want to know how many officers you need to meet your services demands, The Keller Consulting Group can tell you.
