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Law Enforcement Administration Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow

NCJ Number
110686
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1988) Pages: 2-7
Author(s)
J H Earle
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Due to the factors of rising crime rates, increased population, social unrest, more sophisticated crimes, and accelerated administrative costs, the law enforcement administrator must discard the role of 'top cop' and become a chief executive officer with responsibilities parallel to top corporate management officials.
Abstract
The shift in focus must be from reacting to problems to anticipating them. Among the changes to be made are the requirements for top management officials. In a 1979 study, 120 administrators were sent questionnaires on current and future managerial problems rated by importance. The top current managerial problems were: (1) determining policy and program priorities, (2) administering the budget, (3) maintaining effective community relations, (4) developing effective working relationships with public officials, and (5) establishing and administering personnel systems and procedures. The future problems projected by the administrators were the same, but ranked in different orders, suggesting that they did not perceive their current problems as temporary, but fundamental. In a 1987 followup study, the same administrators were again surveyed to determine how accurate the predictions were. The five top rated factors in 1987 were practically the same as those rated in 1979. The only change from predicted future problems was the negotiating with employee unions. Asked what knowledge and skills were needed for top administrators, the respondents suggested, among others, the knowledge in relationships that govern society, financial management, knowledge in community effectiveness and human relations, and management efficiency. 3 figures.