NCJ Number
103124
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1986) Pages: 45-65
Date Published
1986
Length
21 pages
Annotation
In 1981 data from a sample of 94 police agencies serving populations of over 50,000 were obtained to assess reforms in personnel education, the hiring and promotion of females and racial minorities, and the creation of new civilian positions.
Abstract
Requirements for police chiefs, rank promotions, and entry hiring do not emphasize postsecondary educational requirements, and many departments lack incentives and inducements for personnel to improve their education. The representation of females and racial minorities in most departments is significantly below their proportion in the general population, and few hold supervisory and administrative ranks. The civilianization of police personnel in clerical and nonoperational police positions has been advocated as a way to free sworn officers for patrol duties, inject a civilian influence into the police subculture, and reduce the militaristic structure of police organizations. Studies have yet to determine if these effects of civilianization have occurred. 5 data tables and 40 references.