NCJ Number
78079
Journal
Australian Police Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1981) Pages: 3-10
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The conference group discussion can be an effective tool in the police environment, particularly when a skilled chairperson leads the discussion as an 'evoker,' seeing that everyone gets maximum benefit from the discussion.
Abstract
The discussion or conference group in a police force can be adapted to solve operational and administrative problems, to search for ideas from lower supervisory ranks, to encourage intelligent thinking and logical reasoning on service requirements, to establish appreciation among service sections, and to provide communication channels among ranks. The most important ingredient to a good conference group is an effective chairperson, whose function is to evoke discussion, encourage and control it, but not to dominate it. The chair prepares by clarifying the aim and by working out the opening, the broad outline of the discussion, and the conclusions expected, as well as looking to the general conduct of the discussion. The discussion is then controlled by keeping it to the subject and by ensuring full member participation. Finally, the chair should summarize the discussion so that everyone knows what ideas have been put forward, what decisions have been made, and what action is to be taken and by whom. The summary must give the members the feeling that their meeting has been worthwhile.