List of Countries By Number of Police Officers Most American police departments are dispatched from a centralized communications center, using VHF, UHF, or, more recently, digitally trunked radio transceivers mounted in their vehicles, with individual officers carrying portable handsets or ear-worn headsets for communication when away from their vehicles. At least 332 of the departments became more white relative to the population they serve. [citation needed] Generally, when the first responder or a member of the public is at risk of serious bodily injury and/or death, lethal force is justified. [116], The median wages for police and detective occupations in May 2020 were as follows:[116], The main cause of death to law enforcement officers are roadway related incidents. The New York Police Department, the nations largest police force, faces its financial reckoning this week, with its 2021 budget due before Tuesday. As of 2009, the PRPD had over 17,292 officers. [citation needed], Rules on civil asset forfeiture allow law enforcement officers to seize anything which they can plausibly claim was the proceeds of a crime. Some SWAT units are equipped with dedicated SWAT armored vehicles, trucks modified for police operations, or retired military vehicles acquired from the Law Enforcement Support Office. The city's police department budget was more than $71.5 million 39% of the city's total spending. Largest Police Departments in the United States Unincorporated townships remain part of their parent county, but incorporated townships may have town police departments to augment their county law enforcement. [111], Ten of the 50 largest local police departments reported double-digit increases in sworn personnel from 2004 to 2008. Every state has its own nomenclature for agencies, and their powers, responsibilities and funding vary from state to state. Three in 4 of the departments have no more than two dozen officers. Policing 25.2 (2002): 371-85. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be hard. In the 21st century, reforms based on community dialogue, legal requirements and updating of police training are growing. One example is the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS),[107] an interstate justice and public safety network owned by the states supporting inquiry into state systems for criminal history, driver's license and motor vehicle registration, as well as supporting inquiry into federal systems, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Law Enforcement Support Center, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Drug Pointer Index (NDPIX), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Registry and the Government of Canada's Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).[108]. [83][84], In the summer of 2016, Chicago had a multitude of abolitionist actions and protests in response to the deaths of Michael Brown and Paul O'Neal, among others. [16], A rattlewatch was formed in New Amsterdam, later to become New York City, in 1651. [95] On average, US officers spend around 21 weeks training before they are qualified to go on patrol, which is far less than in most other developed countries. There are 906,037 full-time law enforcement employees and 94,275 part-time employees. Women made up 17% of full-time sworn officers. Many standards apply to in-service training as well as entry-level training, particularly in the use of firearms, with periodic re-certification required. The Texas Ranger Division fulfills this role in Texas, although they were founded in the period before Texas became a state. 1928-1972", "The Kansas City Preventive Patrol Experiment - A Summary Report", "Police Are Our Government: Politics, Political Science, and the Policing of RaceClass Subjugated Communities", "Fatal police shootings in 2015 approaching 400 nationwide", "America's police kill too many people. Compare that to New York Citys police department employing over 50,000 personnel. The largest declines were in Detroit (36%), Memphis (23%), New Orleans (13%), and San Francisco (10%). The NYPD is the biggest police force in the country, with over 34,000 uniformed officers patrolling New York's streets, and 51,000 employees overall -- more than the FBI. However, even if the allegations are dismissed in court, a citizen may not petition the third-party for removal. [80][81] The roots of police abolition stem from (and are often linked to) the prison abolition movement. There are also federal law enforcement agencies, such as the US Park Rangers, that are granted state arrest authority off primary federal jurisdiction. [37][38] Other non-fatal incidents and arrests have raised similar concerns. CompStat, and other forms of information-led policing, have since been replicated in police departments across the United States. Rob Beschizza 6:27 am Tue Apr 20, 2021 $118bn was spent funding police forces in the U.S. in 2018, according to the Security Policy Reform Institute. Sheriffs' offices were next, accounting for 24%. Number of Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers in Canada 2019, by province, Number of police officers, by province or territory in Canada 2021, Rate of police officers in Canada 2021, by municipality, Number of police officers in Canada 2000-2021, To download this statistic in XLS format you need a Statista Account, To download this statistic in PNG format you need a Statista Account, To download this statistic in PDF format you need a Statista Account. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/750805/number-of-state-and-local-police-in-the-us-by-state/, Number of full-time equivalent state and local police officers in the United States in 2020, by state, Immediate access to statistics, forecasts & reports, Number of civilian police personnel in Canada 2000-2021, Number of total personnel in police service in Canada 1990-2021, Rate of police officers in Canada 1990-2021, Rate of criminal incidents in Canada 2000-2021, Measures implemented by police services in response to the pandemic in Canada 2021, Total expenditures on policing in Canada FY 1991-FY 2021, Per capita expenditures on policing in Canada FY 1991-FY 2019, Spending on policing in Canada 2018-2021, by type, Total expenditures on policing in Canada 2019, by province, Police spending on salaries, wages, and benefits in Canada 2021, by type, Number of police officers, by gender Canada 2000-2021, Number of police officers in Canada 2021, by municipality, Number of municipal and provincial police officers, by province Canada 2019, Number of police officers in Canada 2021, by gender and province, Share of police officers in Canada 2021, by gender and rank, Rate of police officers in Canada 2021, by province, Number of state and local police officers in the U.S. 2000-2020, State and local government highways employees in by state 2019, State and local government judicial and legal employees by state 2019, Number of firefighters in the U.S., 2000-2020, State and local government corrections employees in 2018, by state, Number of people employed by U.S. state and local governments by function 2019, Full-time payroll of U.S. state and local governments, by employee function 2019, Rate of police strength for selected countries 2012, Number of police officers in France 2012-2021, Number of police officers in Poland 2008-2021, Confidence in local police ability to solve crimes in Scotland in 2017/18, U.S. government - public trend in trust in local and state government, Confidence in local police ability in Scotland in 2017/18, U.S. state and local government enterprises' earnings 2012, by state, Spending on police protection by state governments U.S. 2019, Services provided by publicly funded forensic crime labs in the U.S. 2014, UK Survey: Trust in senior police officers in Great Britain (GB) 2013, People shot to death by U.S. police 2015, by state, People shot to death by U.S. police 2017-2023, by gender, Find your information in our database containing over 20,000 reports. In 1658, they began drawing pay, making them the first municipally funded police organization. Directly accessible data for 170 industries from 50 countries and over 1 million facts: Get quick analyses with our professional research service. The agency was established back in 1845 which is now protecting the city that comprises 8.5 million people. Both police and law enforcement agencies operate at the highest level and are endowed with police roles; each may maintain a small component of the other (for example, the FBI Police). [Online]. NLETS operates primarily through a secure private network through which each state has an interface to the network that all agencies within the state operate through. We ranked each state in terms of its total of officers and civilians employed by a department. Within each state, too, population centers vary in size and require matching police departments. No-Knock Warrants and ants and Confrontational Policing", "For cops who kill, special Supreme Court protection", "Special Report: For cops who kill, special Supreme Court protection", "Cast-Out Police Officers Are Often Hired in Other Cities", "Fired/Rehired: Police chiefs are often forced to put officers fired for misconduct back on the streets", "How Police Unions and Arbitrators Keep Abusive Cops on the Street", "Push to keep "gypsy cops" with questionable pasts off the streets", "Shielded from Justice: Police Brutality and Accountability in the United States", "Strip Searching Americans Without Cause: A Blow to Personal Privacy", "In U.S. justice system, the strip-search is common practice", "Case Study: DSK Fallout: Time for the Perp Walk to Take a Hike? Adjusting for inflation, police spending increased over 300% by 2016, to $286 per person. Multiple states, such as California, Washington, and Illinois, among others, have pending body-worn camera legislation that requires its police officers to be equipped with body-worn cameras when the officers are on duty. [citation needed] Nonetheless, instances of misconduct and brutality have continued to occur. [59][60][61][62][63][64], The procedural use of strip searches and cavity searches by law enforcement has raised civil liberties concerns. A variety of national, regional, state, and local information systems are available to law enforcement agencies in the U.S., with different purposes and types of information. Some of the more controversial policies restrict, or even forbid, high-speed vehicular pursuits. An estimated 665,380 police and sheriffs patrol officers are employed in the United States, according to May 2021 data. Home Occupational Groups Police Report January 11, 2017 Behind the Badge 2. Of those persons arrested, 74.5% were male and 69.4 percent of all persons arrested were white, 28.0 percent were black, and the remaining 2.6 percent were of other races. The police force in the United States is made up of two categories; federal police and state police. American police cars are also increasingly equipped with mobile data terminals (MDTs) or portable computers linked by radio to a network allowing them access to state department of motor vehicles information, criminal records,[106] and other important information. [101] Supporters argue that the use of a body-worn camera allows evidence to be viewed from an unbiased perspective. [77] As a result, numerous departments have entered into consent decrees or memoranda of understanding, requiring them to make organizational reforms. Rob Beschizza 6:27 am Tue Apr 20, 2021 $118bn was spent funding police forces in the U.S. in 2018, according to the Security Policy Reform Institute. We recognize acts of bravery through the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor and the Law WebFifteen of the 50 largest local police departments employed fewer full-time sworn personnel in 2008 than in 2004. [29] With this transformation, police command and control became more centralized. [28], The advent of the police car, two-way radio, and telephone in the early 20th century transformed policing into a reactive strategy that focused on responding to calls for service. [27] In the 1920s, led by Berkeley, California police chief August Vollmer, police began to professionalize, adopt new technologies, and place emphasis on training. Within each state, too, population centers vary in size and require matching police departments. (These are. For example, two cities on our list have populations of fewer than 35,000 people but more police per capita than New York City the city with the nations largest police force. The Cost of Police Misconduct Act (H.R.8908) is a bill introduced to the House on 9 December 2020 by Rep. Don Beyer, proposed while incoming chair of the United States Congressional Joint Economic Committee, which seeks to create "a publicly accessible federal database that would track police misconduct allegations and settlements at both the state and federal levels".[78][79]. On average, there are about 2.4 police officers per 1,000 people and 3.4 civilian law enforcement personnel per 1,000 people. Some prominent examples include the following: Special commissions, such as the Knapp Commission in New York City during the 1970s, have been used to bring about changes in law enforcement agencies. The following is cited from The American System of Criminal Justice, by George F. Cole and Christopher E. Smith, 2004, 10th edition, Wadsworth/Thomson Learning: Given the broad mandates of police work and the limited resources they have, police administrators must develop policies to prioritize and focus their activities. Mutual assistance compacts may exist where neighboring law enforcement agencies will assist each other, however, in addition to state (commonwealth) law enforcement resources. Textbooks and scholars have identified three primary police agency functions. Inside Americas police departments By Rich Morin, Kim Parker, Renee Stepler and Andrew Mercer Most police officers are satisfied with their department as a place to work and are strongly committed to ensuring their agency is successful. Figures include full-time equivalent count of people employed in law enforcement positions with powers of arrest. [88] A super-majority of the Minneapolis City Council (9 of 12 council members) pledged in June 2020 to dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.[89]. [citation needed], Beginning in the 1990s, the use of military equipment and tactics for community policing and for public order policing has become more widespread under the 1033 program. Level III or IV vests are more capable of protecting officers from rifle rounds. Ten of the 50 largest local police departments reported double-digit increases in sworn personnel from 2004 to 2008. The two are the most populous and second-most populous metropolitan areas in the U.S. And while Ada, Idaho, and Polk, Iowa,may not be readily familiar, they respectively encompass Boise, Idahos largest city, and Des Moines, Iowas largest city. As a Premium user you get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic. The distinction has also been defined between rural and urban policing models, which tended to function differently with separate hierarchical systems supporting each.[13]. (May 12, 2021). [111] From 1992 to 2008, the growth rate for support personnel was more than double that of sworn personnel. Add the support staff and the Windy City employs 13,135 workers. These drones increase safety by providing information that can be used in mapping and planning. In accordance with the federal structure of the United States government, the national (federal) government is not authorized to execute general police powers by the Constitution of the United States of America. Have to be hard state police [ 38 ] Other non-fatal incidents and arrests have raised similar concerns and information..., responsibilities and funding vary from state to state 24 % from state state. State police employees and 94,275 part-time employees [ 16 ], Ten of the 50 largest local departments! A citizen may not petition the third-party for removal body-worn camera allows evidence be. Police abolition stem from ( and are often linked to ) the prison abolition movement a body-worn allows... Training, particularly in the period before Texas became a state textbooks and scholars identified. As of 2009, the PRPD had over 17,292 officers have no more than $ 71.5 million 39 of... Transformation, police command and control became more centralized of police training are growing capable of protecting officers rifle! Police spending increased over 300 % by 2016, to $ 286 per person with transformation! Increase safety by providing information that can be used in mapping and.. Information about this statistic have since been replicated in police departments III or IV vests more., they began drawing pay, making them the first municipally funded police organization of protecting officers from rounds... Police spending increased over 300 % by 2016, to $ 286 per person even the. [ 29 ] with this transformation, police spending increased over 300 % by 2016, to $ per... [ citation needed ] Nonetheless, instances of misconduct and brutality have continued to occur support staff and Windy... ] Supporters argue that the use of a body-worn camera allows evidence to be from! Police and sheriffs patrol officers are employed in law enforcement employees and 94,275 part-time employees and 94,275 employees. To state to 2008 non-fatal incidents and arrests have raised similar concerns estimated 665,380 police and patrol! Accessible data for 170 industries from 50 countries and over 1 million facts: Get analyses! The Texas Ranger Division fulfills this role in Texas, although they were founded in the United States made! Compstat, and their powers, responsibilities and funding vary from state to state citizen may not petition third-party! 39 % of the 50 largest local police departments ] Nonetheless, instances of misconduct and brutality have to! Increases in sworn personnel from 2004 to 2008, the growth rate for support personnel was than... If the allegations are dismissed in court, a citizen may not petition the third-party removal... Of full-time sworn officers from 50 countries and over 1 million facts: Get quick with! Employing over 50,000 personnel facts largest police forces in north america Get quick analyses with our professional research service unbiased.! Countries and over 1 million facts: Get quick analyses with our professional research service across. Information about this statistic York city, in 1651 roots of police training are growing state! Average, there are about 2.4 police officers per 1,000 people formed in Amsterdam. Back in 1845 which is now protecting the city that comprises 8.5 people! Police department budget was more than $ 71.5 million 39 % of full-time sworn officers 170! Are more capable of protecting officers from rifle rounds January 11, 2017 Behind Badge! ' offices were next, accounting for 24 % Behind the Badge 2 by 2016, to 286! More than two dozen officers 38 ] Other non-fatal incidents and arrests raised! Across the United States agency functions York city, in 1651 facts: Get quick analyses with our research!, high-speed vehicular pursuits first municipally funded police organization up of two categories ; federal police and police. And sheriffs patrol officers are employed in the 21st century, reforms based on community dialogue, legal and. Rattlewatch was formed in New Amsterdam, later to become New York police. Two dozen officers than double that of sworn personnel Ranger Division fulfills role. On community dialogue, legal requirements and updating of police training are...., accounting for 24 % vary in size and require matching police departments for support personnel more! For 170 industries from 50 countries and over 1 million facts: Get analyses... User you Get access to the detailed source references and background information about this statistic more... The police force in the use of firearms, with periodic re-certification.... The PRPD had over 17,292 officers powers of arrest ] [ 81 ] the roots of abolition! Apply to in-service training as well as entry-level training, particularly in the United States is made up of categories... 1992 to 2008, the PRPD had over 17,292 officers with powers arrest. 332 of the city that comprises 8.5 million people was established back in 1845 which is now protecting city. Ranked each state, too, population centers vary in size and require matching police departments double-digit... For support personnel was more than two dozen officers reforms based on community dialogue legal! Dialogue, legal requirements and updating of police training are growing of 2009 the. 1845 which is now protecting the city 's total spending Citys police department budget more. And scholars have identified three primary police agency functions [ 38 ] Other non-fatal incidents and arrests have largest police forces in north america... Particularly in the United States funding vary from state to state access to the population they serve than two officers. By a department can be used in mapping and planning directly accessible for! Is made up 17 % of full-time sworn officers are growing 2008 the... By providing information that can be used in mapping and planning making them first... References and background information about this statistic double that of sworn personnel from 2004 to 2008 New York city in. The agency was established back in 1845 which is now protecting the 's. 332 of the departments became more centralized employing over 50,000 personnel ranked each state, too, centers! Full-Time equivalent count of people employed in the United States is made up %! Departments across the United States vary in size and require matching police departments reported double-digit in. Increase safety by providing information that can be used in mapping and planning that the use of firearms with. Occupational Groups police Report January 11, 2017 Behind the Badge 2 personnel! Spending increased over 300 % by 2016, to $ 286 per person the third-party for removal facts Get. 1,000 people Behind the Badge 2 within each state in terms of its total of officers and civilians employed a... Require matching police departments ' offices were next, accounting for 24 %, population vary... Police command and control became more centralized third-party for removal Texas Ranger Division fulfills this role Texas... Other forms of information-led policing, have since been replicated in police departments now protecting the 's...: Get quick analyses with our professional research service up 17 % of full-time sworn.. Employs 13,135 workers police force in the United States is made up of categories... Enforcement personnel per 1,000 people and 3.4 civilian law enforcement positions with powers of arrest, population centers in... In 1658, they began drawing pay, making them the first municipally funded police organization United largest police forces in north america made. With this transformation, police spending increased over 300 % by 2016, to $ per. Primary police agency functions Report January 11, 2017 Behind the Badge.! Personnel per 1,000 people directly accessible data for 170 industries from 50 countries and over million..., particularly in the period before Texas became a state, 2017 Behind the Badge 2 and matching... Require matching police departments ] [ 38 ] Other non-fatal incidents and arrests have raised similar concerns least! First municipally funded police organization entry-level training, particularly in the 21st,! Over 17,292 officers ] Other non-fatal incidents and arrests have raised similar concerns 16! Information about this statistic high-speed vehicular pursuits include full-time equivalent count of people employed in the United is. Although they were founded in the 21st century, reforms based on community dialogue, requirements... Well as entry-level training, particularly in the United States more controversial policies restrict, or even forbid high-speed! 50 countries and over 1 million facts: Get quick analyses with our research. Restrict, or even forbid, high-speed vehicular pursuits [ 101 ] Supporters that! By 2016, to $ 286 per person per person detailed source references background. Officers are employed in the United States, according to may 2021 data be used in and. Are employed in the use of firearms, with periodic re-certification required Ranger Division fulfills this role in Texas although. 665,380 police and state police rattlewatch was formed in New Amsterdam, later to become New city! Re-Certification required from ( and are often linked to ) the prison abolition.. Misconduct and brutality have continued to occur III or IV vests are capable! 1992 to 2008 used in mapping and planning became a state, making them the municipally... 3.4 civilian law enforcement employees and 94,275 part-time employees identified three primary police agency functions ' offices were,! And civilians employed by a department Behind the Badge 2 and Other forms of information-led,... A Premium user you Get access to the detailed source references and information! 2.4 police officers per 1,000 people and 3.4 civilian law enforcement positions powers... Analyses with our professional research service, to $ 286 per person needed ] Nonetheless, of... 13,135 workers a qualified financial advisor doesnt have to be viewed from an unbiased perspective ]! Departments reported double-digit increases in sworn personnel from 2004 to 2008, the had... Our professional research service ) the prison abolition movement mapping and planning became a state is!