Fort Worth Police Department Strategic Plan
Sources: 2014 U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates; 2014 FBI police employee data; square miles data provided by 2010 U.S. Census Bureau *Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD provides service to residents outside of the Charlotte city limits. As of 2014, the population that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD serves is approximately 856,916. There are numerous variables that contribute to law enforcement staffing needs in a particular jurisdiction. Although the cities in Figure 3.3 share many similarities with Fort Worth, there are also significant differences. Factors such as geography (size in square miles), crime types, economic conditions, demographics, population density, and organizational structure vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The nationwide average for cities with a population greater than 500,000 is 2.8 sworn and 0.8 civilians per 1,000 of population. Figure 3.4 displays the projected number of sworn and civilian staff required for Fort Worth that would match the average ratio of cities with a population over 500,000.
Figure 3.4. Staffing per capita (per 1,000 population)
Staffing Per Capita
FWPD Staffing Required to Match National Average for Large Cities (500,000 or more)
FY2017 FWPD Authorized Positions
Remaining Sixth Patrol Division Staffing Plan
Additional Sworn and Civilians to Match National Average
Per Capita Staffing using 2.8 sworn per 1,000 population Per Capita Civilian Staffing using 0.8 civilian staff per 1,000 population
2,333
1,635
27
671
667
461
13
193
Source: 2014 FBI police agency employee data; Fort Worth's latest population estimate is 833,319 from the 2015 U.S. Census Bureau.
Per capita comparisons provide little value when determining optimal staffing levels for a specific law enforcement agency. In Figure 3.4 the additional sworn and civilian personnel needed to match the national average are unrealistic when considering budgetary constraints and do not ensure FWPD will provide efficient effective service to the community. Per capita comparisons were not used to determine staffing needs in this plan. The recommended staffing levels are summarized in Figure 3.14 and are based on workload and community needs. Historically, FWPD has had a higher ratio of sworn per 1,000 population. Population growth outpaced staffing increases over the last 20 years resulting in fewer sworn personnel per 1,000 population. Figure 3.5 on the next page illustrates the average officer per capita decrease since 1996.
How Growth Affects the Fort Worth Police Department
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