Illinois Department of Law Enforcement - Occupational Analysis Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 88722
• Author(s): B Patterson
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 92 pages
• Corporate Author: Illinois Dept of Law Enforcement
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report summarizes responses to job analysis questionnaires completed by five levels of Illinois State law enforcement personnel, from trooper to captain, regarding the nature of the work performed and qualifications needed by the worker.

Abstract

The survey instruments included the Physical Elements Inventory for Sworn Officers, Task Inventory for Sworn Officers -- Levels I through V -- Job Functions Inventory for Police Officers, the Skills and Attributes Inventory, Position Analysis Questionnaire, and the Work Elements Inventory. A student's t-test was used to determine differences that might exist between the Division of State Police and the Division of Criminal Investigation, as well as those between different job categories within the same level. An analysis of Level I responses (troopers, special agents I, and supervisory officers) showed that problem solving ability, comprehension of written and verbal instruction, decisionmaking ability, and communications are important to both the agent's and trooper's jobs, along with the ability to withstand monotony, knowledge of the department, and the need to update job knowledge. Level II (corporals, special agents II, and supervisory officers) required problem solving ability, report writing, interpersonal skills, memory skills, and supervisory skills. Additional talents needed at Level III (sergeants, special agents III, and supervisors) included the ability to enforce and adhere to rules and procedures, knowledge of jurisdiction, ability to work under pressure, and awareness of environment. The requirements for Level IV (district/zone lieutenants, special agents IV, and supervisors) and Level V (district/zone captains and special agents V) emphasized the abilities to determine consequences, consider alternatives, and to remember names and faces, in addition to supervisory skills. The summary also identifies physical and technical skills needed at each level. The report includes a glossary, tables, and five references.