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What Will Be the Future Impact of Patrol Officer Retention Programs by the Year 2000?

NCJ Number
110407
Author(s)
G Lipson
Date Published
1987
Length
61 pages
Annotation
This study discusses the stress on police patrol officers, turnover among patrol personnel, its unsettling influence within the organization, and ways to improve the retention of patrol officers.
Abstract
Employee turnover is an important barometer of the employer's organizational climate. Most employees will eventually leave any job, no matter how pleasant or fulfilling, if a reasonable quality of life is not sustained in the employee's mind. The patrol officer has the highest rate of turnover among police agency employees. This study examines why police personnel are staying in patrol today, using a literature review and personal interviews. A projected plan for increasing the retention of patrol officers includes involving patrol officers in decisions pertaining to their job functions, creating a better work environment, involving officers in a team committed to professionalism, and reviewing police human resource management practices within police operations. Some practices that can increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover among patrol officers are also more opportunities for specialization and an incentive system that awards positive patrol performance. A transitional analysis suggests how to change agency practices to reduce patrol officer turnover rates. 34-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)