NCJ Number
115825
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 62 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-March 1989) Pages: 69-84
Date Published
1989
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This discussion of supervision and related issues facing police sergeants uses individual sergeants' comments in response to questions regarding supervision as well as analyses of sets of responses.
Abstract
The need to supervise directly while allowing officers their independence poses a dilemma for sergeants. Inspectors do not directly supervise sergeants, however. However, sergeants criticized management for checking too much on their work, having little awareness of the pressures placed on the sergeant, and lacking sufficient concern for officers' welfare. Sergeants also suggested more management training for all supervisory ranks. They also complained about the depletion of their staff strength as a result of court and escort duty. Motivation of senior constables and improving communication between sergeants and policymakers were additional concerns. Sergeants were also critical of the staff appraisal and promotion systems. They measured their own performance in the rank by the lack of criticisms of their constables from ranks above them. They also felt that having a sponsor in senior ranks was better than having good ratings in appraisals.