NCJ Number
133474
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1991) Pages: 30-36
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Following a report on a survey of management training procedures in police agencies throughout the Nation, this article presents a prescriptive model for police management training.
Abstract
The survey received responses from 162 small, medium, and large police agencies. The survey found that although approximately 65 percent of the small agencies provide supervisory training, many larger agencies offer little or no training to new supervisors and managers. The training provided typically uses the traditional lecture format that focuses on standard topics considered basic to the management of employees in any organization. The proposed prescriptive model for police management training is based in the development of any agency environment that encourages officer participation in the development of supervisory and management skills. This can be fostered through incentive plans for participation in education, the systematic rotation of assignments to acquaint officers with all facets of agency tasks, and the enlistment of officers in challenging project assignments in addition to their normal duties. Following an officer's selection to a management position, a period of field training under an experienced manager should be provided. Other preservice training should use effective instructional techniques such as case studies, committee work, debates, discussion groups, field trips, simulation games, inquiries, interviews, operational experiences, observations, panels, role playing, and seminars.