NCJ Number
154475
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 62 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1995) Pages: 19-20,22-24
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses interviews, written tests, and assessment centers used by police departments in selection and promotion procedures, and demonstrates how community policing can be integrated into each.
Abstract
When police departments decide to implement community policing or similar policing philosophies, they typically receive support from the community, but personnel within their organizations may be slow to accept the concept. There are many explanations for this, including the following: (1) natural resistance to change; (2) bitterness from officers who believe they have not been recognized for doing what they regard as community policing all along; and (3) supervisors who continue in traditional enforcement modes even though line officers may be in favor of the new philosophy. Selection and promotional procedures can provide an opportunity to reinforce a department's directions and goals. Well-designed tests will result in the selection and promotion of those candidates who are in tune with the department's goals, and who can apply the department's philosophy and values to their everyday work. In addition, assessment center exercises should be designed to present real-life problems, situations that allow candidates opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities, and which reflect the department's philosophy, goals and mission.