Just as common as insufficient staffing of patrol operations is inefficient staffing. Some agencies actually do have enough officers for fighting crime, but they are allocated and scheduled so inefficiently that their best efforts are ineffective.
Patrol is typically the most visible and the most expensive operation for local law enforcement agencies. Usually half or more of the sworn officers are assigned to regular patrol duties, plus there are supervisors and support personnel to help complete the mission. Personnel costs are typically about 85% of a police agencies budget. Given these, it is clear that effective and efficient management of patrol operations can have a very positive impact, while poor management can cripple the agency.
