NCJ Number
103003
Date Published
1986
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This fourth in a series of nine independent study lessons on police supervision explains direction and how it gives rise to the ancillary functions of delegation and control of the work of others.
Abstract
The directing function in supervision involves planning, explaining, initiating, coordinating, evaluation, followup, and corrective action. Good instructions must be reasonable, complete, and clear. Consequently, in writing objectives, the supervisor carefully examines the style, format, connotations, and denotations of his communications. For written directives, it is necessary to plan the writing, gather information, prepare and outline a first draft, review and rewrite the draft, seek opinions, and polish. Directives also should be kept simple. The delegation function involves task assignment, granting authority, and the creation of obligations. Decentralization is the essence of delegation. Successful verbal or written delegation requires an awareness of organizational goals, mission objectives, expected performance, priorities, resources, time and discretionary limits, and reporting requirements. Delegation is founded in the cornerstone organizational concepts of division of work, unity of command, and span of control. Finally, delegation requires controlling others and events toward the accomplishment of goals. Effective controls should be economical, meaningful, appropriate, timely, simple, and operational. Progress checks and a lesson examination are provided. For other lessons in this series, see NCJ 103000-103002 and NCJ 1003004-1003008.