NCJ Number
91636
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 31 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1983) Pages: 50-58
Date Published
1983
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article defines and describes the development of organizational goals and objectives in general and then applies the concepts to the development of goals and objectives for a police patrol division.
Abstract
It is important to distinguish between goals and objectives. Goals are statements of broad direction, general purpose, or intent. They are not concerned with a particular achievement within a specified time period; nonetheless, they are important because they create for the organization a direction in which to move while providing the conceptual framework for the setting of objectives. Objectives are statements of a desired achievement which can be measured within a given time frame and under specific conditions. They differ from goals in that they are measurable, time specific, and contain specified conditions for performance. The creation of objectives is essential to the atttainment of goals, since they provide the means whereby goals are attained. The attainment of a goal requires the formulation of a hierarchy of interrelated objectives both for sections as well as individuals within the organization. Each section and individual in the organization should play a part in plotting courses for contributing to goal attainment. Having a goals and objectives process in operation within an organization enhances the agency's ability to serve its clientele and leads to increased organizational effectiveness and efficiency as well as improved employee productivity and job satisfaction. To illustrate the process for developing objectives for a police patrol division, objectives are established under the following goals: (1) to reduce crime, (2) to reduce residential burglaries, and (3) to provide to the division all information pertinent to residential burglary for the development of patrol tactics suitable for the reduction of this offense.