Police staffing is not an exact science, and it is increasingly complex. But there are studies by the U.S. Department of Justice and policing organizations addressing what variables should be considered and what hasn’t proven to be the most efficient for taxpayer dollars. Oftentimes, they say, departments hire more officers simply because funds are available, without enough regard for what services are actually needed and desired by residents.

This short form documentary was part of an episode of Flatland In Focus on Kansas City PBS.