NCJ Number
4920
Journal
Police Volume: 16 Issue: 12 Dated: (AUGUST 1972) Pages: 17-22
Date Published
1972
Length
6 pages
Annotation
BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION FOR A GENERAL PLAN TO RE-STRUCTURE POLICE DEPARTMENTS TO CAPITALIZE ON ALL THE TALENTS OF ITS MEMBERS.
Abstract
THE TRADITIONAL ORGANIZATION IS HIERARCHICAL AND AUTHORITARIAN, EMPHASIZING COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH CHANNELS. THE AUTHOR'S PROPOSED MODEL CALLS FOR THE GIVING UP OF COMMAND AUTHORITY, NOT RESPONSIBILITY. OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES WOULD INVOLVE THE MAXIMIZING OF THE EXPERTISE OF THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF THE ORGANIZATION. THE MOST CAPABLE, NOT NECESSARILY THE HIGHEST RANKING, OFFICER WOULD BE CALLED UPON TO DECIDE AND HANDLE SPECIFIC SITUATIONS. THERE MUST BE A CONSENSUS ABOUT THE ALTERNATING ROLE OF DECISION MAKER BETWEEN WHAT THE AUTHOR CALLS STAFF (ADMINISTRATION, TRAFFIC AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS) AND THE LINE (PATROLMEN). SUCCESSFUL INTERTWINING OF FUNCTIONS CALLS FOR CONTINUOUS PLANNING AND MONITORING, BUT THE REWARDS ARE A MORE PRODUCTIVE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND A MEANS OF INVOLVING THE 'NEW BREED' OF POLICE OFFICER WHO BRINGS TO THE DEPARTMENT TALENTS AND POTENTIAL CAPABILITIES SUPERIOR TO HIS PREDECESSOR.