NCJ Number
187448
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 70 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2001 Pages: 7-9
Date Published
February 2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Pulaski Police Department (Tennessee) captured on video the routine workdays of departmental personnel and interpreted it so as to increase employee motivation due to the value of the "work itself."
Abstract
Over a 9-month period, a reserve officer made candid videotapes of departmental personnel during a variety of routine work activities. These videos ranged from field events to office work, from actual operations to organized events of fellowship. Additionally, the officer captured video of a regularly scheduled departmental meeting, which focused on various individuals as they participated in the meeting. The photographer also made a video of the city and used it for the introductory portion of the tape, accompanied by inspirational background music. The video presentation was divided into segments of each shift, providing a freeze-frame of officers with a caption of their rank and date of service. Following the still-shot segment, the producer included several vignettes of each officer involved in normal work activities. The videotape ended with a list of all employees, their assignments, and an inspiring message on life. The video made its debut at the end of the year at an annual holiday party for all of the employees and their families. Managers noticed the effect from the outset; departmental personnel displayed markedly visible emotional reactions as the tape played. Managers presented all officers with a personal copy of the "video yearbook" and told them that it served as tangible proof of their significance and importance to the agency. Taken at its face value, the video serves as a historical document and has accomplished its mission of increasing employee motivation as well.