NCJ Number
84408
Date Published
1980
Length
425 pages
Annotation
The study explored the state of the art and feasibility of manpower planning for police organizations. It also explored the kinds of capacities and constraints within and without police agencies that might influence the perception of manpower planning as a feasible undertaking.
Abstract
The study used research questions and obtained data from interviews with police and other government officials throughout the country, along with a survey sent to 49 State police agencies and the 201 largest city and county police departments in the Nation. The usable response rate for the mail survey was 65.6 percent. The study found that a considerable amount of manpower-related activity is undertaken, but that little manpower planning is done. While police officials reported that their agencies collected specific kinds of data, the agencies did little forecasting or goal orientation. They concentrated on problem solving within personnel administration. Deficits in the police agencies' approach to problem solving activities are enumerated. The study concluded that more police manpower-related activity is associated with a greater reported ability to attract and retain the kinds of employees believed needed. Tables and references are provided.