Volunteer Use as a Service Delivery Alternative: The Case of Law Enforcement Agencies

Abstract

Few studies have explored the question of why public agencies use volunteers in service provision. Using data from a survey of law enforcement agencies in the United States, this study explores the factors associated with volunteer officer involvement. Key findings suggest that resource deficiency is strongly associated with the degree of using volunteer officers, while the presence of an active collective bargaining agreement is somewhat mixed. Agencies that encourage officers to engage in collaborative problem-solving with the community are more likely to use volunteer officers. The results provide important insight regarding the factors associated with volunteers in public services.