NCJ Number
45754
Date Published
1978
Length
30 pages
Annotation
THIS ASSESSMENT OF THE SAMPSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS, EFFECTIVENESS, AND EFFICIENCY.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES OF THIS STUDY WERE TO REVIEW AND EVALUATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM BY CONCENTRATING ON MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES AND EQUIPMMENT. INTERNAL INFLUENCES HAVE PROHIBITED CORRECTION OF THE PROBLEMS CAUSED PRIMARILY BY LACK OF FUNDS FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL AND INCREASES IN WORKLOADS. THREE BASIC TASKS WERE REQUIRED TO ASSESS THE PROBLEMS. THE COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION WAS FIRST DISCUSSED WITH THE SHERIFF AND HIS CHIEF DEPUTY, WHO DESCRIBED AN EVER-INCREASING NUMBER OF INCOMING CALLS AND DISPATCHES CAUSING A WORK OVERLOAD. SECOND, A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE EXISTING COMMUNICATIONS CENTER AND ITS OPERATIONS WAS PERFORMED. THE REVIEW FOUND THAT THE DEPARTMENTAL STAFF HAS DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE REQUESTS FOR SERVICES. THIRD, EVALUATION OF THE EXISTING COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, PROCEDURES, AND EQUIPMENT CAPABILITY FORMULATED SEVERAL IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENT. THE REPORT PROVIDES BOTH IMMEDIATE AND LONG-RANGE RECOMMENDATIONS IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE WORKLOAD DIFFICULTIES. MANAGEMENT CHARTS, COMPLAINT REPORTS, AND EMERGENCY CYCLE DISPLAYS ARE PROVIDED. A COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1977 AND DISPATCHER TIME SHEETS ARE PRESENTED IN THE APPENDIXES. (AJJ)