NCJ Number
107536
Journal
Policing Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1987) Pages: 106-116
Date Published
1987
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Observations and interviews of police sergeants in England suggest that the police service expects too much from them and that they are seldom able to carry out their real functions.
Abstract
Observations of 152 tours of duty in the East Midlands police force starting in February 1983 were followed by structured interviews with 46 sergeants in that force, 93 sergeants in training in another force, and observations of the teaching used. The levels of responsibility expected did not correspond to the degree of control exercised by the sergeants. As a result, the sergeants experienced frustration, anger, and stress. The sergeants viewed themselves as the people in the middle, often faced with irreconcilable expectations from above and below. Little time was spent in street supervision, much time was spent on paperwork and other duties in the station house. They had little control over deployment decisions and spent little time in monitoring, supervision, and on-the-job training of constables. The objection by most constables to close supervision is also undoubtedly another powerful constraint operating on sergeants. Sergeants' training will widen the gap between expectations and reality unless other organizational changes occur. However, courses can help sergeants understand constables' resistance to close monitoring and can lead to more meaningful and facilitative performance appraisals. Training could also bring different ranks together for useful discussion and resolution of the issues they face. 18 references.