NCJ Number
141479
Journal
Large Jail Network Bulletin Volume: 2 Issue: 4 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 14-15
Date Published
1991
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes programs that El Paso County (Texas) and Multnomah County (Oregon) have established to recognize staff for outstanding service.
Abstract
The El Paso County Sheriff's Department began its Detention Office of the Quarter program in 1987. The program was implemented to strengthen staff morale and to recognize outstanding work done by detention officers. Every quarter the detention commander asks shift commanders to submit the names of candidates who qualify for Officer of the Quarter. The commanders of the patrol, detective, and civil divisions each appoint one of their supervisors to serve on a committee to evaluate the candidates. Evaluation criteria are the seriousness and importance of the incidents in which the officer participated, initiative exercised, consistency of outstanding performance, motivation, and the impact of the officer's performance on overall operations. The officer selected receives a framed certificate of recognition in front of peers at a shift briefing. Multnomah County's Peak Performer Program is designed to reward "heroic" or highly exceptional activity and consistent, exemplary performance. The committee selects the most deserving individuals each quarter. The number selected is determined by the number of nominations received. Selection criteria used are a consistent level of performance beyond job requirements, exceptional resourcefulness, contributions to the improvement of the Corrections Branch, and performance that benefits the county or the sheriff's department. Plaques are awarded to those selected, and their names are added to a large plaque displayed in the administration area.