NCJ Number
111418
Date Published
1986
Length
101 pages
Annotation
This job task analysis of the Special Response Team (SRT) and Canine Unit (CU) of the Metro-Dade Police Department (Florida) assesses job tasks encountered or performed by these units and the involved officers' perceptions of the importance of these tasks.
Abstract
Average frequency ratings for SRT and CU indicate that all the tasks measured, with the exception of water rescue by CU, are encountered or performed with some degree of frequency by respondents. Water rescue, although never performed by the majority of respondents, was perceived to be very important by SRT and of moderate importance by CU members. In comparing average frequency ratings from SRT and CU with a random sample of line entry officers assigned to a district (RSPOAD), notable differences in task encounter or performance were found. The tasks encountered or performed more often by SRT and CU were grip strength, balancing, run short distance, jump, climb chain link fence, climb through window, climb concrete fence, and climb wooden fence. Compared to RSPOAD, run assist officer, quick reactions, and forcible entry were reported encountered or performed more often by SRT. A lift in excess of 50 pounds, climb onto roof, and run long distance were reported more often by CU. Among the recommendations are the development and administration of a separate physical agility examination, each using one set of standards respectively, to all SRT and CU applicants and the provision of a physical agility training package for all officers desiring transfer to SRT and CU. Appended tables, questionnaire, and 5 references. (Author summary modified)