NCJ Number
80658
Date Published
1981
Length
138 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement agencies may augment their crime analysis function, using this guide to management techniques for implementing a senior adult volunteer program.
Abstract
A crime analysis volunteer program requires the police chief's continuing support, allocation of needed equipment and funds, and issuance of liability coverage for volunteers. Careful planning is crucial and should consider costs, policies and procedures, crime analysis tasks, selection and training, and supervision of the volunteers. Preparatory steps include writing job descriptions of volunteer positions, appointing a program coordinator, and arranging work schedules on a case-by-case basis. A public relations plan will ensure adequate outreach to senior citizens. Potential volunteers should be screened (including a background investigation), and elderly recruits should be asked to cooperate in drawing up job agreements to define their commitment. Job training should be relevant to the tasks. Agencies can encourage retention through performance evaluations, job enhancement strategies (job continuation, job progression, special projects), and recognition. Program managers should establish recordkeeping procedures to monitor the program. An assessment of existing successful and unsuccessful crime analysis volunteer programs has shown that success appears to depend on adequate planning, program accountability, volunteer orientation, well-articulated and differentiated volunteer functions, information exchange on volunteer programs, and training and development opportunities. Chapter footnotes and a variety of sample forms are provided.