NCJ Number
73496
Date Published
1973
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The present classification structures and practices of the St. Louis County Police Department (Missouri) are described and compared with the proposed classification system devised by the Rank and Assignment Project.
Abstract
At present, there is no comprehensive classification plan which identifies and describes the kind of work performed in the police department. Existing position descriptions are grouped into civilian and commissioned categories and are used as a basis for two separate pay plans. The current classification scheme is similar to the rank-in-man concept found in the military services. Promotion is based on educational and tenure requirements. The existing class structure does not sufficiently define the functional or occupational relationships that potentially exist between the civilian and commissioned positions. The inflexibilities inherent in such a system limit the mobility and development of individual employees and inhibit management's ability to place qualified persons in positions where they are most needed. The deficiencies in this system are perpetuated by current budgetary procedures. The proposed system applies a rank title only to those positions which require law enforcement powers or competence. All other positions are described in more generic and functional terms. The use of more generic descriptions allows lateral entry options and does not narrow selection. The system identifies and inventories those positions which should be filled with commissioned personnel and provides a comprehensive understanding of the tasks being performed in the department. It also clarifies the relationships and job qualifications of law enforcement and supportive law enforcement positions. Five charts illustrate the proposed classification system functions. The detailed proposed classification structure is appended. For related information see NCJ 73494, 73495, and 73497.