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Effective Police Supervision

NCJ Number
120593
Author(s)
H W More; W F Wegener
Date Published
1989
Length
512 pages
Annotation
Many contemporary police agencies encounter such problems as low morale, high job stress, high personnel turnover, absenteeism, and conflict. Resolution of these problems is a function of quality management.
Abstract
The quality of management within a police organization determines whether the organization is successful, and the best law enforcement agencies view the first-line supervisor as an integral part of the management team. It is acknowledged, however, that first-line supervisors apply management skills differently than higher-ranking police managers. Problems faced by police agencies can be resolved if managers become conversant with the elements of organizational behavior. Behavioral theory and case studies are applied to help current or potential police department supervisors identify and resolve personal and organizational problems. Details are provided on the supervision process itself, interpersonal communication, motivation, leadership, discipline, performance appraisal, team building, coping with organizational change, media relations, internal discipline, labor relations, the supervision of minorities, and police training. 336 references, 71 figures.