NCJ Number
110412
Date Published
1987
Length
109 pages
Annotation
This analysis of career development in medium-sized California police agencies (serving jurisdictions with populations of 60,000-250,000) involves an analysis of the body of knowledge in the human resource development field as it pertains to career development, including current technologies in career development, theories, and trends in career development.
Abstract
The study included an examination of selected career development programs used in both law enforcement and the private sector. Although the private sector emphasizes career development, it receives little attention in the public sector. A survey of police chiefs yielded 77 returns. Of the agencies represented, not one had an integrated career development program. Barriers to employee-oriented programs in the public sector are outdated management philosophies, bureaucratic values, restrictive personnel rules and union agreements, lack of funds, and a general negative attitude toward public employees. An effective career development program is possible for a medium-sized police agency if the organization recognizes that its personnel are its most important resource and creates an environment for employees to develop their professional potential. The study proposes a model career development program composed of nine core elements and five optional elements. Appended study materials, tables, charts, 64 endnotes. (Author abstract modified)