NCJ Number
86498
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1982) Pages: 284-288
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study presents the possible models of municipal police departments -political, bureaucratic, professional, and community models -- based on the degree of motivation exhibited and determines the utility of the models by examining an agency known for high motivation.
Abstract
The political model fits an agency known for its lack of motivation because of political influences both inside and outside the agency. Officers in any agency reflecting the bureaucratic model are motivated primarily from an organizational emphasis on professionalism, military aspects of the department, and the law enforcement role. Complete satisfaction is not achieved under this model, however, because elements of the community withhold approval of the police. The professional model fits a highly motivated agency where officer involvement in the organization is higher than in the bureaucratic model. Relationships in the agency are positive, interaction is high, and cooperation is extensive. The community model is in many respects like the professional model, but because of the team feeling that permeates the organization, motivation is higher than in the professional model. To determine the degree of motivation in the Mesa Police Department (Ariz.) and ascertain the model within which it fits, a need satisfaction framework was used, since need satisfaction appears to be highly correlated with motivation. The Mesa Department was found to fit the professional model, since the department satisfies most of the officers' needs, particularly through the work itself and in the areas of esteem and status. Officer participation in problemsolving and decisionmaking appears to result in an increase in motivation and commitment by officers. Two references are listed.