NCJ Number
99736
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (1985) Pages: 1-85
Date Published
1985
Length
85 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes the purpose, methodology, and major findings of a Canadian study that examined the nature of the relationship between municipal police chiefs and their governing authorities as well as the principal variables that affect the nature of the relationship.
Abstract
The study involved a literature review, a two-part questionnaire sent to each chief/detachment commander who was asked to send the second part to the governing party, and onsite interviews with both chiefs and chairpersons of governing authorites. The overall questionnaire return rate was 54 percent. Data indicate that governing authorities tend to become involved in decisions pertaining to budget and finance, personnel, and labor-management relations. The study identified a variety of processes by which police budgets are developed, reviewed, approved, and appealed. The personnel matters in which governing authorities become involved include promotion selection, recruiting policy, selection methods, and specific hiring of new personnel. A major issue in labor-management relations is the movement of police unions or associations into bargaining over items previously considered management prerogatives. The study also explored differences and similarities among types of forces, as well as whether governing authority and police personnel differed in their perceptions of governing authority decisionmaking responsibilities. In general, the study shows no simple rules to explain the division of responsibilities between police personnel and governing authorities. Suggestions are offered for future studies in this area. Tabular data and 88 references are provided.