U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Supervision of Police Personnel Independent Study Program 7 The Supervisor, Subordinate and Discipline

NCJ Number
103006
Date Published
1986
Length
24 pages
Annotation
In this seventh in a series of independent study lessons on police supervision, positive and negative methods of developing discipline among subordinates are discussed.
Abstract
Discipline can be defined as orderliness developed through training and obedience to a prescribed standard or set of rules. In general, positive methods of discipline -- those that gain willing obedience and loyal cooperation without the use of punishments are preferable. Because punishment often results in poorer motivation and performance, positive methods of discipline, such as praise, constructive discussion of needed improvements, and training to achieve improvements, are recommended. In those cases where negative punishment is needed (e.g., deliberate rule violators or following the failure of positive measures), such punishment should be swift, certain, fair, impartial, and consistent. Further, discipline should be progressive, efforts to correct problem behaviors should be documented, and a combination of both positive and negative measures should be used. Progress checks and a comprehensive examination are provided. For other lessons in this series, see NCJ 103000-103005 and NCJ 103007-103008.