NCJ Number
118606
Date Published
1989
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study focuses on issues which British sergeants face in supervising the way their constables deal with paperwork.
Abstract
The research was conducted between February 1983 and April 1985 in two subdivisions of a large territorial division of an eastern Midlands police force. The subdivisions were organized differently, providing the opportunity to examine patrol sergeants' work in contrasting organizational settings. Interviews with the sergeants focused on their attitudes toward paperwork processes, the ways in which they manage them, and the organizational factors that assist or hinder their supervision of paperwork. Sergeants attitudes toward paperwork varied according to their perceptions of the value of the paperwork for policing objectives. Their complaints that paperwork kept them from being involved in street policing were related to the perception that the paperwork appeared to have no relation to policing objectives. To improve attitudes toward paperwork, sergeants and constables should receive feedback on how the information is used to enhance and guide police work. They should also have input regarding the balance between the time they give to office work and to street work. 20 references.