According to Wade & MacPherson, which of the following is not one of the advantages of using specialized units?

According to Wade & MacPherson, which of the following is not one of the advantages of using specialized units?

• A. Improved resource allocation and focus on specialized tasks.
• B. Increased interagency cooperation.
• C. A reduction in patrol coverage as personnel for specialized units are drawn from Patrol officers.
• D. Better incident response times through specialized units.

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is the typical benefits and trade-offs of using specialized units in policing. Wade & MacPherson describe advantages like streamlined resource use, sharper focus on tasks within the unit’s specialty, better collaboration with other agencies, and quicker, more effective responses to incidents because personnel and equipment are tailored to specific problems. The statement describing a reduction in patrol coverage when personnel are drawn from Patrol to staff specialized units is not an advantage. It points to a potential drawback or trade-off: pulling officers away from general patrol can leave gaps in routine coverage. The other ideas align with the strengths of specialization—allocating resources where they’re most effective, leveraging expertise through coordinated interagency work, and improving response times due to specialized training and tools.

The concept being tested is the typical benefits and trade-offs of using specialized units in policing. Wade & MacPherson describe advantages like streamlined resource use, sharper focus on tasks within the unit’s specialty, better collaboration with other agencies, and quicker, more effective responses to incidents because personnel and equipment are tailored to specific problems.

The statement describing a reduction in patrol coverage when personnel are drawn from Patrol to staff specialized units is not an advantage. It points to a potential drawback or trade-off: pulling officers away from general patrol can leave gaps in routine coverage. The other ideas align with the strengths of specialization—allocating resources where they’re most effective, leveraging expertise through coordinated interagency work, and improving response times due to specialized training and tools.