NCJ Number
94992
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (1984) Pages: 47-70
Date Published
1984
Length
24 pages
Annotation
A model for organization change in the police service, the Criminal Activities Traced Confined Halted (CATCH) concept can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of police deployment and investigative practices and can detect, target, and apprehend career offenders.
Abstract
The model has five major components: initial investigation, case screening, crime analysis, patrol management, and investigations management. CATCH can be effectively managed through a series of committees which coordinate implementation and monitor progress. A steering committee consisting of a deputy chief of police and division superintendents makes major policy decisions. An implementation committee chaired by a full-time project director is responsible for all matters related to project implementation. Implementation committee members include case screening, crime analysis, patrol operations management, and crime investigations management coordinators. Actual changes in the organization require underlying conditions such as internal tension or dysfunction to be complemented by an organization culture which accepts change as an ongoing process. Opportunities for change must capitalize on current dissatisfaction levels by channeling these energies to problem definition and the formulation of new concepts, strategies, attitudes, behaviors, and internal structures. CATCH benefits include timely and accurate information to assist investigators and increased professionalism through opportunities to use investigative skills or to participate in a wider range of police activities. Because of the magnitude of change, implementation is phased in over 3 to 5 years. CATCH effectiveness can be measured by the degree to which implementation adhered to the established time frame and the number of program objectives met. Tabular data and 15 references are provided. A list of program benefits is appended.