NCJ Number
139249
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 20 Issue: 5 Dated: (1992) Pages: 413-428
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined performance appraisal practices in Florida law enforcement agencies, focusing specifically on the job of uniformed police patrol officers.
Abstract
Survey questionnaires were distributed to all municipal police departments and county sheriff's offices in Florida that had at least 50 authorized sworn positions. Of 116 identified agencies, 77 were police agencies and 39 were sheriff's offices. Responses were received from 55 police departments (71.4 percent) and 21 sheriff's offices (53.9 percent). Performance appraisal instruments were examined for information regarding administration, nature of performance categories used, and instrument variety. It was found that the accreditation process had a beneficial effect on law enforcement performance appraisal systems. Only in the area of appraisal frequency did nonaccredited agencies surpass accredited agencies. Accredited agencies offered more training in performance appraisal, made greater use of the BARS (Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale) format, and were more likely to provide for employee comments. In general, performance categories appeared to be multidimensional in that more rating dimensions were being measured than there were rating categories. The content and administration of performance appraisal instruments are reviewed. 50 references and 4 table