What kind, i.e., police officers, sheriffs, etc.?
Local: 410,956; sheriffs: 152,922; state: 54,587
From BJS, LEMAS Report

How many police departments are there in the United States?
18,769
From BJS, LEMAS Report

Ratio per population served?
Varies per state and city. See the LEMAS Report for details.
From BJS, LEMAS Report

What type of weapons do they use?
Varies per agency. See the LEMAS Report for details.
From BJS, LEMAS Report

What kind of vehicles do they use?
The LEMAS Report notes the number, type (auto, motorcycle, etc.) whether they are marked, or unmarked, but does not list the make and model of vehicles.
From BJS, LEMAS Report

How much training do police officers receive?
Varies per agency. Some do not have minimum requirements for in-service training, but all agencies have standards for entry-level training. See the LEMAS Report for details.
From BJS, LEMAS Report

How much education is required to be hired as a police officer?
The minimum education level for the majority of police department is a high school diploma, or equivalent. However, the current trend is for applicants to have college credit equal to two years:

• 16% of state police agencies require a two-year college degree,
  
• 4% require a four-year degree.
  
• 13% of county police agencies require a two-year degree and
  
• ?? % require a four-year degree.
  
• 9% of local agencies require a two-year degree
  
• 2% require a four-year degree.

How many women are police officers?
11.6% or about 70,000 officers,
From IACP's The Future of Women in Policing Report.

Research

Community policing impact and recourses?
Contact the Community Policing Consortium, 1-800-833-3085

Who funds research on police?
For the most part, agencies within the Department of Justice. However, there are several private sources available.

Does the IACP fund research?
No. However, the IACP will collaborate with individuals and organizations on projects the IACP deems of value.

Do you have jobs for researchers?
Yes. Visit the Jobs Page or contact Human Resources.

Other information regarding police data, i.e. call, incidents.
See the LEMAS Report.

Other

How should my department approach consolidation?
Contact Jerry Needle and John Firman, IACP Planning and Research Division.

What about promotional exams?
Contact Kim Kohlhepp, Planning and Research Division. These services require a fee.

Do you do management studies?
Yes, contact Jerry Needle, Planning and Research Division. These services require a fee.

Do you have firearm data?
No.

Can I get software regarding use of force and IA Investigations?
Those projects have been discontinued.

Do you assist smaller police agencies?
Yes, IACP has received a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, DOJ. Contact Elaine Deck for further information.

Does the IACP have law enforcement powers?
No. The IACP is a not-for-profit private association providing a variety of law enforcement related services to federal, state, county, local, tribal and other police agencies. Staff of the IACP are not sworn law enforcement officers, and thus cannot assist with investigations or complaints about citizens, police officers, or police agencies.

Where can I obtain a mailing list or directory of all of the police departments/police chiefs in the United States?
A mailing list and directory is available from the National Public Safety Information Bureau; Interested parties can call their toll free number at (800) 647-7579 or (715) 345-2772. Their website offers more information, including details on online subscription services to the National Directory at http://www.safetysource.com.

Does the IACP publish crime prevention information for citizens?
Contact the National Crime Prevention Council at (202) 261-4138 or your local police department.

Does the IACP accept interns?
Yes. IACP seeks undergraduate and graduate students with a background in criminal justice, law enforcement, communications, public administration, or a related field for potential internship positions. See the Jobs Database for "Jobs at IACP Headquarters".

Does IACP have a fellowship program?
Yes. See the Jobs Database for "Jobs at IACP Headquarters".