NCJ Number
111871
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 49 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1985) Pages: 57-59
Date Published
1985
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article focuses on meetings in the criminal justice system and how to conduct them effectively.
Abstract
Objectives for the meeting should be set in advance. If there are not objectives or purposes, then there should be no meeting. Generally, the fewer the participants the better. Between 4 and 7 people is ideal, 10 is tolerable, and 12 is outside the limit. Some rules for selecting participants are: (1) include anyone whom the meeting affects positively or negatively, (2) include those who must be included for 'political reasons,' and (3) include those 'decisionmakers' who have the ability to resolve a problem or goal to be discussed at meeting. In preparing for a meeting, four elements must be considered: (1) time factors (1.5 hours is usually enough), (2) agenda (be specific), (3) location, and (4) costs. The atmosphere of a meeting can be improved by starting on time, sticking to the agenda, and ending on time. Minutes should be recorded and should include time, date, and location; names of those present and absent; all agenda items discussed; time ended; and date, time, and place of next meeting. The responsibilities of the leader include running the meeting, following the agenda, and controlling the group's interactions. The following personalities may be disruptive, and the leader is responsible for recognizing and controlling them: (1) rambler, (2) overly talkative, (3) side conversation, and (4) definitely wrong. The Xerox Corporation's 'Ten Commandments for Meetings' are included. 7 footnotes.