Programs and Infrastructure When faced with economic challenges , agencies need to look at their essential functions and ensure they are working correctly . Agency leadership must understand that though new technologies may enhance department operations , they must discuss what is necessary and what is relevant . Companies catering to law enforcement agencies will come to offer a variety of solutions and provide demonstrations of their products . Still , it all comes with a cost over the amount an agency is willing to pay . We must realize that many of these solutions and products are tried and true practices , but packaged differently to appear to be the latest fad and trend .
Before allocating funds to these products , inventory what you currently have and see what improvements you can make . This inventory includes the vehicles , equipment , and services that make up most of your daily expenses . Review the contracts and service agreements on equipment and services to see what upgrades can be purchased or any warranties that can be extended . Too often , agencies will make an expensive purchase on a new piece of equipment or service , only to realize that an upgrade to an existing piece of equipment or service was much cheaper and more reasonable . Take the time now to negotiate warranties and service agreements on the inventory you currently have while making
improvements to your existing infrastructure .
Conclusion The local economy is usually a couple of years behind the national economy , so agencies have an opportunity to look at what is coming and focus on forecasting , planning , and reviewing what they currently have . Though an agency will make its budget request , the decision ultimately resides with the governing body of the law enforcement agency on where the funding will go . Each political body must understand the consequences of its decisions on funding matters . Across the nation , governing bodies are putting more funding into agencies after calls for reallocating or defunding the police were made . Public safety is vital to the fabric of every community . Agency executives must make sound and reasonable decisions for their agencies to be identified as being good stewards and prepared for the challenges ahead .
Michael J . Persley has served with the Albany Police Department for 27 years where he has served in multiple assignments and leadership positions , including the Chief of Police for six years . Chief Persley holds a Master Degree in Administration / Justice and Security from University of Phoenix , a Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University . He is a graduate of the IACP Leadership in Police Organization and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command . Chief Persley is retired from the Georgia Army National Guard and served for over 22 years . He was an enlisted soldier and later commissioned as an officer . He held the rank of Captain at his time of retirement . He served this country on deployments to Bosnia-Hercegovina , Iraq , and Afghanistan .
Chief Chris Hodge Auburn Police Department
Providing effective police services in today ’ s ever changing socioeconomic landscapes can be quite challenging , even during a time where many would classify our local , state , and federal economies as being , “ robust .” Delivering these same law enforcement services during a recession adds
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