NCJ Number
213018
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 73 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2006 Pages: 18-21
Date Published
January 2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After defining "personal strategic planning" (PSP), this article explains the benefits of PSP for police officers and describes the steps in the PSP process.
Abstract
Personal strategic planning begins with a vision of what an individual ultimately wants to accomplish in his/her career. The individual then sets goals that, when achieved, will contribute to the realization of the vision. Next, action plans are developed for reaching each goal. They are then implemented and subsequently evaluated to assess their success in helping to reach a specific goal. When police agencies support the PSP process for their officers, it helps them to have a career focus and avoid the boredom of cyclical routines. When officers have a new outlook on the direction of their careers, it improves their morale and work performance. Another benefit of PSP is that it requires introspection and a thoughtful examination of a department's mission and how one's skills and knowledge can be improved so as to increase one's contributions to that mission in the course of personal career advancement. In describing the details of PSP, the article explains how to construct a vision that is achievable within a given organizational environment; that is consistent with personal beliefs, values, and abilities; that is constructive; and that is precise. The description of how to establish goals advises that they be kept to a minimum, be attainable, be prioritized, and be linked so that each leads to the next. The article also explains how to develop and implement an action plan, as well as evaluate its implementation and outcome.