Assessment of the Management and Operations of the Tigard (Oregon) Police Department

• NCJ Number: 79906
• Author(s): C A Tracy
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 185 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Tigard City Council
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Findings and recommendations are presented from an assessment of the management and operations of the Tigard Police Department (Oregon).

Abstract

The department was assessed by examining four of its principal features: its overall goals, objectives, and performance measures; the environment in which it has functioned; its resources; and its components, including activities and measures of performance. Data, which were obtained between January 25 and April 8, 1980, came from department personnel, documents, newspaper articles, city and county officials, community leaders, the general public, and other written material. The study's purpose was to identify areas in need of improvement, so overall productivity can be increased. Departmental performance was compared to that of similar-sized police departments over the same time period and with professional standards set by recognized authorities. It was impossible to determine the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the department's operation and management, because adequate performance measures had not been established by the police chief executive. Some departmental activities, however, could be measured. The department has been moderately effective in repressing some criminal behavior and hazardous driving, as evidenced by serious crime and traffic accidents not increasing as rapidly as the city's population. The department was less effective in apprehending offenders. Poor communication between the department and the community and an absence of formal direction to guide the department have tended to create periodic controversy surrounding the department's performance. The current police chief executive lacks certification of management and executive competency by Oregon's Board on Police Standards and Training. Recommendations for improvement are offered, and a strategy for implementing the recommendations is proposed. Tables, figures, footnotes, and 14 references are provided. Supplemental material is appended.