Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of imposing user charges to POLICE services?

Answer 1

Advantages: Charging user fees for police service will be in accordance to 'benefits received principle'. People will pay for the services that they get from police. The free of cost service excludes some people from paying and exploits some people by asking them to pay higher fees/taxes.Free rider problem can be resolved by asking people to pay. The cost to state will go down and same money could be paid for other services/creation of infrastructure.

Disadvantages: People unrest will increase. Exact amount to be charged will be regressive to a certain section of people (poor people). Police service is essential service and police will ask for regular pay revisions and if unpaid may create labor union like pressures.