NCJ Number
147364
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 42 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1994) Pages: 55-59
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article explains the role of change in law enforcement in an environment of dwindling resources, highly publicized incidents of police misconduct, and citizen fear of increasing criminal violence.
Abstract
Law enforcement managers and organizations frequently find themselves in a "political snakepit" surrounded by special interest groups. Police managers are often expected to accommodate external interests whose agendas are not necessarily the same as the general public's. Because of competing interests, changing law enforcement requires effective leadership and careful definition of law enforcement's role. Meeting external demands while maintaining internal organizational viability will necessitate change in the police command and control management style. Police organizational change is inherently linked to the behavior and attitudes of managers, supervisors, and line staff. Organizational culture and values also play a key role in the change process. Problems associated with effective change in law enforcement are noted. Ways of dealing with resistance to change are discussed, as well as ways of managing change.