Comprehensive Evaluation of Phase One of the Virginia Beach, Virginia Police Department's Integrated Criminal Apprehension Program - Final Report

• NCJ Number: 73102
• Author(s): W Pindur; P P Anderson; V Fontenot; J Hurley; J M Jones; S P Lipiec; J A Livingstone; A A Nadkarni
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 516 pages
• Contract Number(s): 78-DF-AX-0195
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice; Virginia Beach Division of Police
• Corporate Author: Old Dominion University
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NCJ-73102 contains microfiche for NCJ-73103-73110 also.

Annotation

This collection of reports evaluates Phase I of the Integrated Criminal Apprehension Program of the Virginia Beach, Va., Police Department.

Abstract

The program, implemented on October 1, 1978, was designed to upgrade the patrol system, focus efforts on serious crimes and crimes committed by repeat offenders, and increase citizen satisfaction with the department. The evaluation period went from April, 1979, through April, 1980. Data were collected through surveys of department personnel and citizens, analysis of department records, and onsite observations. Subject areas were police officer attitudes, citizen attitudes, offenses, the Crime Analysis Unit, the Major Offender Unit, and police officer job satisfaction and organizational climate. Results indicated that citizens feel generally positive about the Virginia Beach Police Department and its officers. A content analysis of offense reports indicated areas in which the overall reporting quality could be improved. The evaluation of the Crime Analysis Unit indicated the need for more communication and information exchange between the Crime Analysis Unit and the Investigation Division. A comparison of job satisfaction surveys conducted at the beginning and end of Phase 1 indicated a positive trend in police officers' attitudes towards the department. Areas needing attention from the department are improved communication, equipment, current shift schedules, and paperwork requirements. Individual chapters present the research design and results of each part of the evaluation. Tables are also included. Eight appendixes present the study instruments and additional information on the research design. (Author abstract modified)