NCJ Number
190845
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 82-85
Date Published
August 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes one police department's approach to developing supervisors.
Abstract
Coppell, TX, has a police department of 55 sworn officers and 18 civilians. The department asks much of its supervisors. There are times when a sergeant is in charge of the entire department and has total responsibility for the city. The department recognizes the need to have the best possible supervisor in charge. To this end, they have developed a standardized incremental training program for new supervisors. The program identifies certain tasks and subjects that new supervisors must know before they can perform as supervisors without assistance. Promotion is contingent upon satisfactory performance in all phases of the 7-week supervisor development program. The program uses a daily observation form to evaluate program participants in 26 categories, including decision making, problem solving, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of the law, city policy, and liability issues. The program is not intended to replace supervisor schools conducted by training institutes and academies. Rather, it is designed to offer additional hands-on training tailored to the needs of the Coppell Police Department. Figure