NCJ Number
137592
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 11 Issue: 1 Dated: (1992) Pages: 17-32
Date Published
1992
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Municipal police chiefs from 12 western states were surveyed in 1989 to compare the characteristics of police chiefs promoted from within their current organizations with those hired from outside the organization.
Abstract
The 300 surveys received 122 responses. Findings revealed that 55 police chiefs had been internally promoted, and 67 were selected from outside. No statistically significant differences were found in age, agency size, community population, agency budget, program implementation, role perceptions, salary, tenure in current position, or tenure in law enforcement. The only significant difference was in the level of educational attainment; more college and graduate degrees were found among those promoted from outside. Findings indicated that insider and outsider police chiefs were not significantly different in background and philosophy. Therefore, no compelling advantage may exist either to promote from within or to hire from the outside. Municipal decisionmakers should avoid preconceived notions regarding which method is best or should be used and should base their decisions on the organizational needs of the moment. Tables, case citation, and 27 references