NCJ Number
212677
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 74-78
Date Published
December 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the steps necessary to changing the culture of a police organization.
Abstract
Every police organization develops its own culture that incorporates a shared vision and set of values. From time to time, in response to a variety of factors, it becomes necessary for police leadership to initiate change in the organization’s culture. The author describes the process of changing a police organization’s culture as a long-term commitment that will take significant effort from police leadership as well as individual officers and staff. The steps necessary to achieving an effective culture transition are outlined and include the development of a vision for the future, the development of a written mission statement, the creation of a set of core values, and an examination of established work processes. The author warns that the transition process, which can be expected to take from 5 to 7 years, is an intensive commitment and leadership should critically examine whether a culture change is truly necessary before undergoing the process.