Union Influence and Police Expenditures (Criminal Justice)

Putchinski examines the effect of unionization on police expenditures in Florida. He seeks to determine whether or not unionization increases total police expenditures as well as the component expenditures for police personal services, operating expenses, and capital outlays in 257 Florida cities. A qualitative portion of the study presents observations from officials in seven Florida cities of varying demographic characteristics. Results indicate that unionization increases total police expenditures, personal services expenditures, and operating expenses expenditures. However, no support was provided for the hypothesis that unionization increases capital outlays. The qualitative inquiry further suggested that unionization may not affect capital outlays because of predetermined policies regarding purchases of capital equipment.