NCJ Number
75049
Date Published
1974
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Tradition-bound police chiefs, afraid of unpopularity and often the product of corrupt systems, usually refuse to transform their departments into humanistic, professional, and service-oriented organizations.
Abstract
Although the police are well-equipped and trained, little has been done to improve their performance and character, despite a call in the 1960's for sweeping police reforms. Nevertheless, most police leaders and administrators are unwilling to risk unpopularity and loss of their positions to make needed changes. Moreover, many police chiefs willing to reform their departments by emphasizing community relations and other liberal programs meet with great resistance in and out of the force. Many reform chiefs are eventually forced to quit police work. Police chiefs are largely a product of the existing corrupt and inefficient law enforcement system that does not reward officers for respecting the law. Moreover, police managers are often pressured for favors almost before they begin their tenure. Examples of literature written by police officers and other insiders reveals the extent of corruption and the resistance of police bureaucracies to inventive and efficient officers. No references are given.