NCJ Number
108805
Journal
Policing Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1987) Pages: 271-286
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Police sergeants and inspectors in England are sometimes required to give direct orders, but their modern roles require that they have a variety of skills beyond the simple exercise of authority.
Abstract
In developing an effective police supervision style, both a military/directed and a supportive supervisory style that encourages professional discretion are required on occasion. In addition, results of external and internal police surveys indicate that police supervisors must take an interest in constables, set a good example, be available for advice, know their officers well, and be given improved training and support from senior officers if they are to be maximally effective. Like more senior officers, supervisors have responsibilities in the areas of policymaking, management, problemsolving, direct supervision, and quality control. In these roles, the sergeant serves as expert resource, work organizer, on-the-job coach and counselor, operational leader, and monitor of activities and performance. Similarly, the inspector serves as team leader and troubleshooter, management-team-community link, planner and operational crisis leader. A transfer from the role of sergeant to that of inspector requires honing of previous skills and the development of new skills in such areas as negotiation and influence, evaluation, and counseling. Police survey data are appended. 3 figures.