NCJ Number
186515
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 67 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 45-51
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
December 2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police administrators charged with attracting and retaining young police officers can overcome low unemployment and high attrition rates if they appeal to the values and interests of members of Generation X, individuals born between 1961 and 1981.
Abstract
Generation X individuals grew up during a period of peace, relative prosperity, and technological advances that have changed the U.S. economy. Most Generation X individuals learn best through hands-on experiences, and they like immediate and personal feedback. They tend to be more responsive to a team manager who values input from employees, delegates tasks, and provides mentoring and coaching. Knowing what motivates and concerns Generation X police officers will help police executives conduct more effective recruitment campaigns. Potentially effective marketing strategies include highlighting the variety of jobs available at the police officer level, offering cafeteria-style benefits packages, emphasizing the computer technology used by the police department, and offering a class dedicated to career development. Ways of retaining good police officers and challenges facing police departments in a shrinking job market are examined. Recommendations to help police managers create attractive work environments are offered as follows: define the police organization, value employees, and show flexibility. 4 footnotes