Preparing Written Guidelines

• NCJ Number: 111504
• Journal: FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1988) Pages: 1-7
• Author(s): J H Auten
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Properly crafted written guidelines for police departments outline the mission of the organization and the manner in which officers are to accomplish that mission.

Abstract

Before preparing such written guidelines, organizational goals and objectives must be developed and examined to determine where the development of written guidelines will facilitate the achievement of organizational goals and objectives. In composing the guidelines, the policymaker should obtain input from those most directly affected by the proposed written guidelines. Such input increases the likelihood that the guidelines are applicable to various job situations and that they will elicit voluntary compliance from officers. Once the guidelines have been written, they should be distributed to all organizational personnel, followed by personnel training to ensure that officers understand the intent of the guidelines and acquire the skills and knowledge required to implement them. The guidleines should be regularly assessed and revised so they reflect current conditions within which law enforcement tasks are performed.