NCJ Number
105903
Date Published
1986
Length
11 pages
Annotation
A mail survey of 2,614 municipal police chiefs in cities over 10,000 was conducted in 1986 to examine current personnel practices.
Abstract
A total of only 910 responses was received, for a 34.8 percent response rate. Results indicate that while budgets are stabilizing, earlier budget cuts in many departments have resulted in personnel layoffs and unfilled vacancies. A number of changes in staff composition have occurred since 1976, including increased use of women and ethnic minorities in uniformed positions and increasing use of paid and volunteer civilians. In addition, departments are switching from more quantifable minimum-maximum height, weight, and age standards to more complex assessments that include written examinations, oral interviews, medical and psychological examinations, background investigations, physical performance tests, and formal probationary periods. More than a third of departments are using assessment centers in determining promotions and the use of continuing employment criteria is increasing. While few departments require more than a high school education for entry, many are encouraging educational development after entry. 11 tables and 41 footnotes.