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CHANGING THE ORGANIZATION MODEL FOR POLICE DEPARTMENTS FROM THE ARMY TO THE HOSPITAL

NCJ Number
36893
Author(s)
D GUYOT
Date Published
1976
Length
39 pages
Annotation
THE MILITARY MODEL IS INAPPROPRIATE FOR POLICE WORK IN A MODERN DEMOCRACY - A POLICE ORGANIZATION MODEL BASED ON THE HOSPITAL IS MORE SUITABLE FOR PROVIDING MULTI-FACETED SERVICES.
Abstract
AS AN ANALYTICAL DEVICE FOR DESCRIBING COMMUNICATION AND TASK STRUCTURES IN AN ORGANIZATION, THE MILITARY MODEL OBSCURES THE ACTUAL FLOW OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DECISIONS IN POLICE WORK. AS A PRESCRIPTIVE DEVICE FOR STATING HOW POLICE WORK OUGHT TO BE CONDUCTED, TI REINFORCES, EMPHASIZES, AND LEGITIMIZES THE COERCIVE ASPECTS OF POLICE WORK, AND CASTS CITIZENS IN THE ROLE OF EMEMY. MAJOR CONPONENTS OF THE HOSPITAL MODEL INCLUDE MASTERY OF A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE AS A PREREQUISITE FOR PRACTICING THE PROFESSION, HIGH INTRINSIC JOB REWARDS, TRUST BETWEEN PRACTITIONER AND CLIENTS, AND PEER ACCOUNTABILITY. THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES HOW A COSMOPOLITAN POLICE MANAGER MADE THE CHANGE IN A NIGHTWATCHMAN DEPARTMENT AND EVALUATES THE IMPROVEMENT IN DEPARTMENTAL PERFORMANCE USING BOTH TRADITIONAL AND NEW METHODS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)