NCJ Number
114603
Editor(s)
M S Suehle
Date Published
1988
Length
75 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the police department in Riverdale, Md. concluded that the town's citizens are not receiving optimal police service because of weaknesses in crime investigation, records management, and inappropriate scheduling and use of patrol officers and because of weak town policies and a lack of systematic administrative oversight.
Abstract
The study used data on crime and police expenditures for fiscal year 1987 and earlier years and gathered additional information from reviews of policies and regulations and interviews with police personnel. It recommends that the town council support the department's request to hire a qualified and experienced detective or criminal investigator, because the current department cannot provide the necessary investigation and followup to solve reported crimes. The town council should also establish a police secretary position to perform clerical functions and compile and record all data on calls for service. Additional recommendations include designating one officer as training coordinator, conducting a technical study of the radio system, considering funding options for the personnel additions, requiring advertising of job vacancies, requiring comprehensive personnel evaluations, and developing written policies and information in several areas. If Riverdale decides not to implement these recommendations, it should replace the local police service with coverage by the Prince George's County Police and contractual county officers assigned specifically to Riverdale. Tables and footnotes.