NCJ Number
77357
Date Published
1976
Length
129 pages
Annotation
Based upon a study of the history and current characteristics of police unions and police chiefs' responses to policy unions in Connecticut, this analysis of police management and labor practices offers recommendations for improving police union management relations.
Abstract
A mythical town in Connecticut, Mython, is used to portray the ideal police union-management relationship which is based upon the cooperation of both parties. Police chiefs' responses and labor responses to a survey indicate general acceptance of the idea and the process of joint planning for common interests and goals, but not general use of such practices. Recommendations to improve police union-management relations focus on commitment to change; planning for the identification of common future goals; regular meetings to set goals, to anticipate problems, and to agree upon programs; joint resolutions concerning particular actions to be taken to reach a common goal; the introduction of an agreed-upon performance evaluation to increase productivity; and maintenance of police library and research facilities. In addition, a reference manual reports on the current status of police union contract clauses in Connecticut in 1975. Ten charts illustrate the contract analysis, and a glossary of contract terms and examples of clauses are included. A bibliography of 59 references is provided. Appendixes include the surveys given to police chiefs and union leaders, chapter 18 of police standards and goals, and a copy of the act governing collective bargaining agreements in Connecticut.