CHANGING THE ORGANIZATION MODEL FOR POLICE DEPARTMENTS FROM THE ARMY TO THE HOSPITAL

• NCJ Number: 36893
• Author(s): D GUYOT
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 39 pages
• Corporate Author: American Society of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE MILITARY MODEL IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR POLICE WORK IN A MODERN DEMOCRACY - A POLICE ORGANIZATION MODEL BASED ON THE HOSPITAL IS MORE SUITABLE FOR PROVIDING MULTI-FACETED SERVICES.

Abstract

AS AN ANALYTICAL DEVICE FOR DESCRIBING COMMUNICATION AND TASK STRUCTURES IN AN ORGANIZATION, THE MILITARY MODEL OBSCURES THE ACTUAL FLOW OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DECISIONS IN POLICE WORK. AS A PRESCRIPTIVE DEVICE FOR STATING HOW POLICE WORK OUGHT TO BE CONDUCTED, TI REINFORCES, EMPHASIZES, AND LEGITIMIZES THE COERCIVE ASPECTS OF POLICE WORK, AND CASTS CITIZENS IN THE ROLE OF EMEMY. MAJOR CONPONENTS OF THE HOSPITAL MODEL INCLUDE MASTERY OF A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE AS A PREREQUISITE FOR PRACTICING THE PROFESSION, HIGH INTRINSIC JOB REWARDS, TRUST BETWEEN PRACTITIONER AND CLIENTS, AND PEER ACCOUNTABILITY. THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES HOW A COSMOPOLITAN POLICE MANAGER MADE THE CHANGE IN A NIGHTWATCHMAN DEPARTMENT AND EVALUATES THE IMPROVEMENT IN DEPARTMENTAL PERFORMANCE USING BOTH TRADITIONAL AND NEW METHODS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)