Author Description

Based on the 1999 LEMAS survey, presents data collected from a representative sample of the more than 13,000 general-purpose local police departments nationwide. Tables describe the number and size of agencies, job classification of personnel, agency functions, community policing activities, computers and information systems, and written policies and procedures. Highlights include the following: From 1997 to 1999, the percent of residents served by department that routinely used bicycle patrol increased from 66% to 76%, the percent served by a department that used routine foot patrol increased from 59% to 68%. More than 90% of the departments serving 25,000 or more residents had some type of community policing plan. All departments serving 25,000 or more residents used computers during 1999, as did all of those serving 2,500 to 24,999 residents. Part of the Local Police Departments Series