NCJ Number
77356
Date Published
1978
Length
113 pages
Annotation
This report identifies specific problem areas in recruitment, selection, and wastage with regard to Scottish police forces; possible solutions to the problems are proposed.
Abstract
Data and other information for the study were obtained from current publications relating to the police, police publications and reports, formal examination of the internal methods used in the recruitment and selection by the Stratchclyde Police Force, discussions and interviews with police officers, personnel questionnaires, and responses to an essay on the methods and problems of recruitment and selection. This information indicates that basic management needs in the Scottish police forces are apparent. These needs include manpower planning, career structure, research and development, psychological testing of candidates, and review of appraisal and management training techniques. With regard to manpower planning, there is a need for careful consideration of the classifications under which information is gathered. Useful classifications might include the following: function and department, occupation, qualifications and experience, training, age structure, and potential. Utilization factors should focus on the extent of overtime work, performance levels of different categories of employees, and flexibility of employees. Changes in manpower needs should be anticipated through evaluation of past records. Career planning activities should focus on the matching of individual career progressions into overall future organizational requirements. There is also a need for a centralized body to research and direct such manpower and career plans, as well as other management problems facing the police forces. The use of psychological tests will save energy, time, money, and disruption in operations by helping to select men who are best suited to police work. Value tests, attitude tests, personality tests, and intelligence tests could be considered. Tabular and graphic data, sample forms, and additional information on police manpower concerns are appended.