Summary
Civilianization of policing is one of the most frequent methods agencies use to continue providing service to the community while still tending to the pressing management and administration needs of an agency. This publication describes issues surrounding the employment and use of civilian employees by police agencies in the United States, discussing not only innovative ways that some agencies are using civilians, but also impediments and facilitators to civilianization and the costs and benefits of increasing civilianization. It also provides general recommendations for agencies considering the increased use of civilian employees.