NCJ Number
117386
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: (1989) Pages: 103-114
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Data gathered from daily performance ratings of 140 probationary officers attending the Field Training Officer Program (FTO) of the Tallahassee (Florida) Police Department formed the basis for an analysis of whether race and sex of rater and ratee influenced grading practices in the training program.
Abstract
The 14 week FTO program scores were awarded daily on a Behavior Anchored Rating Scale (BARS). A random sample of one day's score for each week of every program from January 1981 through October 1986 was included in the study. A different trainer evaluated each officer on five job related dimensions including appearance, attitude, knowledge, performance, and interpersonal relationships during the four phases of the training program. Analysis of the results proved conclusively that evaluations in the FTO program were independent of rater characteristics. Although black candidates found knowledge and performance skills difficult, not a single rater effect due to race or sex could be identified as statistically significant in a variety of models. However, the study concluded that the training program itself needed to be restructured and remedied to allow for a continuous feedback on trainees' performance with newly acquired skills. Figures, Tables, and 13 references. (Author abstract modified)