NCJ Number
177399
Journal
American Jails Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: March-April 1999 Pages: 48-54
Date Published
1999
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The innovative management system known as Total Efficiency Accountability Management System (T.E.A.M.S.) has combined with charismatic leadership, performance measurement, accountability, and common sense to produce marked changes in the New York City jail system.
Abstract
T.E.A.M.S. was established in 1996 by Bernard Kerik, who was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction in January 1995 and Commissioner in December 1997. Wardens and staff attend monthly management meetings led by the Department's senior executives and are actively questioned about their performance with regard to a variety of objective performance indicators. Commissioner Kerik has used T.E.A.M.S. to identify and promote talented and innovative midlevel managers, to replace complacent senior officials, and to open lines of communication inside the Department and with outside law enforcement agencies. During the last 4 years, inmate violence has declined almost 80 percent, and the Department has reduced overtime costs 52 percent. T.E.A.M.S. meetings provide a mechanism for reinforcing organizational goals and ensuring that all administrators are working toward them. T.E.A.M.S. has streamlined the Department's decision-making process, virtually eliminated feedback delays, and functioned as a learning device. The role that T.E.A.M.S. has had in reinventing the Department of Corrections makes it unique and suggest the need for further analysis by public-sector managers, academics, and students of management. Figures