The COPS Office recently released two publications that provide law enforcement agencies with cost reduction strategies based on surveys of 51 international agencies.

An Assessment of Cost Reduction Strategies in a New Economy: Technical Report and Survey Monograph
After the global financial crisis of 2007–2008, many public sector agencies were faced with the need to reduce costs. In an effort to obtain information about potential cost reducing strategies for U.S. agencies, researchers surveyed 51 international agencies on their various strategies employed to reduce costs or increase efficiency to maintain their level of service delivery and community policing. Numerous strategies had been adopted by the agencies, and those identified as most promising include:

1. Collaboration with other police agencies
2. Sharing of services with other police agencies
3. Reduction in the layers of management
4. Merging of specialty units
5. Reduction in divisions or policing areas

A free, downloadable copy is available here: An Assessment of Cost Reduction Strategies in a New Economy.

Strategies for Reducing Police Agency Service Delivery Costs: Practitioner Guide
The purpose of this guide is to help law enforcement agencies identify cost reduction strategies that would work well for their agencies. Part one of a two-volume series, this practitioner guide covers broad strategies and specific approaches as well as tips for implementing them. Drawing on a survey of 51 police agencies in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia–all of which faced reductions in their funding–the guide explores ways that police agencies can address budget reductions without reducing productivity or the ability to provide a high level of service to the public. It presents a comprehensive but detailed exploration of the approaches taken by these agencies to maintain community service delivery with declining budgets, describing steps that can be taken in seven key areas:

1. Technology
2. Management strategies
3. Safety and prevention
4. Protective services
5. Shared services
6. Personnel management
7. Internal reorganization

A free downloadable copy is available here: Strategies for Reducing Police Agency Service Delivery Costs: Practitioner Guide.

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