How few officers are too few – the threat to the future of public safety

• In Event: Policing During Trying Times

Abstract

In February 2024 the Governor of Louisiana declared a state of emergency based on the shortage of municipal police officers. The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association estimated that Louisiana sheriffs’ offices were down approximately 1,800 deputies statewide resulting in record-low employment and an increase in response time.
This disturbing trend of vacancies in police agencies and the subsequent lowering of standards for recruitment and selection can be observed not just in the United States but also in other democratic countries.
This paper analyzes the alarming drop in the number of police officers in three states: New York, New Jersey and Louisiana and its impact on the future of public safety, based on delayed response time.

Authors

• Maria Haberfeld, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / NYPD Office of Professional Development

• Michael C. Walker, Passaic Community College

• William LaRaia, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Morgan Courgnaud, John Jay College of Criminal Justice