Saugus, Massachusetts - Development of a Directed Patrol Program

• NCJ Number: 80512
• Author(s): C L R Anderson
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 47 pages
• Contract Number(s): J-LEAA-003-76
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Corporate Author: Westinghouse Justice Institute
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Report number 76-188

Annotation

This technical assistance report analyzes the manpower and organizational problems of the police department in Saugus, Mass., and presents recommendations to implement a directed patrol program and generally upgrade the department's crime control capabilities.

Abstract

The town of Saugus, a Boston suburb, experienced a massive surge of growth during the 1960's and is now beginning to encounter crime problems commonly found in all urban centers, particularly in handling crowds of disruptive youths who congregate throughout the town. The town manager requested technical assistance to help the police department implement a directed patrol program, develop computerized information systems, and improve training. This survey first examined the existing police staff of 46 sworn officers, 1 clerk, and 14 police reserves as well as records systems, patrol methods, communications, and detention facilities. This assessment revealed several staffing and organizational deficiencies which hindered police effectiveness, such as no command staff, no crime analysis field support, no crime prevention program, insufficient clerical help, inadequate training for recruits and officers, and few reserves. The records and communications systems were considered inadequate, and the fixed beat by shift system resulted in inefficient use of manpower resources. Other criticisms were also cited. Specific recommendations to remedy these problems are outlined. Patrol beats should be established based on equalization of workload by time consumed in completing responses to calls and a beat design adopted that balances directed patrol time with responses to calls for services. The report also proposes organizing a command staff, initiating a meaningful training program, improving the officer reporting system, and adding 10 more personnel. The report suggests that the Saugus police formulate a timetable for accomplishing the recommended objectives. Tables and diagrams are included. The appendixes contain Saugus crime statistics, report forms currently in use, a draft of the consultant's onsite recommendations to the town manager, 19 references, a list of technical assistance sources, and an outline of an integrated criminal apprehension program.