INSIGHTS
Economic indicators suggest the U . S . may be entering a recession . What steps should agencies take to prepare for proposed budget cuts as well as where they may look to make those reductions ?
Chief Michael Persley Albany Police Department
Upon assuming command , every law enforcement executive will realize that money doesn ’ t grow on trees , and there are no blank checks for them to write . Crime and economic conditions have a symbiotic-type relationship . When the economy is in good standing , the crime rate is generally low . When the economy is not good , the crime rate tends to rise to high levels . Every executive officer must consider the financial decisions , planning considerations , and review of programs and infrastructure when faced with proposed budget cuts .
Financial Decisions It is common practice that when budget are to be cut , the first items for discussion are a department ’ s training funds . Though this is an option , it would be better if agencies reviewed their current budgets and began forecasting their potential expenses for the upcoming fiscal year . Understanding that there will be some tough financial times ahead , forecasting your proposed expenses illustrates how an agency is a good steward of taxpayer dollars .
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Forecasting will allow an agency to locate sources of wasteful spending which can translate into cost savings . These savings , in turn , can be proposed to support other line items in the budget or be taken away . For example , if an agency has a line item that funds printing services that are rarely used , there may be no valid reason to request that amount in the upcoming budget . If an agency wants to maintain that funding amount , a justification is made to move it to another line item or consent to losing it . Forecasting does not always consider the unknown crises that may occur , but it does help an agency understand the financial foundation that can support their daily operations .
Planning At times , the most effortless thing said is the hardest thing to do . This is especially true when it comes to planning . A lack of proper planning leads to a lack of proper performance . This quote gets a notable mention at various levels of leadership . As previously mentioned , forecasting financial expenses will help in the face of economic challenges , including having a plan to address the operational challenges that lay ahead .
Strategic planning sessions are needed , and if done correctly , these sessions can provide a roadmap for the agency to chart its course in the future . These plans are generally labeled under three-year or five-year concepts , but they must be reviewed annually to ensure the agency meets the designated benchmarks . The economic challenges that agencies are to expect can be endured with a well-thought-out strategic plan .
Another consideration in preparing for economic challenges is to identify what community resources are available . There may be in-kind services , volunteer opportunities , internships , or any other activities which agencies can benefit from using . The faith-based community , social and civic organizations , are always looking at ways of helping to improve the wellness of the community . It would be prudent for agencies to establish collaborations and partnerships with these organizations to enhance their operations at little to no cost . Even with these organizations potentially facing funding challenges , they will be looking to partner with law enforcement agencies .