This report presents data from the 2007 Bureau of Justice Statistics survey, detailing the characteristics of local police departments across the United States. It examines personnel, budgets, operations, policies, computer systems, and equipment, drawing comparisons with previous years where data allows. The survey's methodology ensured a nationally representative sample, including all departments with 100 or more full-time sworn personnel and a random sample of smaller agencies stratified by size. The findings offer a comprehensive snapshot of American policing at a specific point in time.

This report is a statistical compilation from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, designed to provide objective data on local police departments. Its value lies in its comprehensive scope and its basis in a nationally representative survey, offering a detailed look at law enforcement practices and resources in 2007. As a print-on-demand edition of a hard-to-find report, it serves as a valuable reference for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the structure and operations of American policing.