NCJ Number
98863
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 54 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1985) Pages: 20-24
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The article describes the application of a Japanese management technique, the quality control circle, within the Champaign Police Department (Illinois).
Abstract
The quality control circle is composed of a supervisor and a group of people working together on a project or related tasks. The circle meets on a regular basis to discuss the efficiency and effectiveness of the work being undertaken and ways to improve efficiency. In the Champaign Police Department, it was decided to use the monthly training days of the patrol shifts to implement quality control circles. The topics chosen for discussion included problems facing the shift and possible solutions, means for cutting costs, the impact of procedures on the shifts, and means of dealing with specific crime control problems such as after-hours clubs and problem bar areas. The discussion of the first shift circle centered on a newly introduced shift rotation policy and was beneficial in clearing up misunderstandings about the new policy. The second shift group's discussion focused on the booking process. Through negotiation and discussion, a new booking procedure was devised and implemented the next day. Evaluation of the new procedure indicates that it saves 25 to 30 minutes per prisoner compared to the old booking procedure. Although the use of this technique is relatively new in the department, it appears to be producing innovative and productive ideas and contributing to officers feeling that they are more involved in decisionmaking.