NCJ Number
78333
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 50 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1981) Pages: 22-26
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article, the second part of a two-part series, discusses elements of the results management program of the Colorado State Patrol.
Abstract
Results-oriented objectives specify in quantifiable terms what is to be accomplished in a specified time period. Setting objectives is part of a systematized process to aid all levels of an organization in accomplishing management's goals. Once the goals are understood by all members of the organization, the supporting objective cycle begins, in which individuals plan their own objectives in conjunction with their supervisors. The key to the project is obtaining concurrence on the objectives from all levels of the organization, which requires that each level in the organization be evaluated on its contribution to the objectives rather than on the activity generated. Each field unit in the Colorado State Patrol has established six objectives that address statewide goals. Because of limited resources, the Colorado State Patrol determined that targeting objectives toward areas where maximum outcome can be measured would increase overall department effectiveness. The target selection should be based on potential impact, not enforcement behavior. The evaluation process should be set during the objective setting stage and should not be complex. Through continued evaluation of the desired results, success or failure can be identified at any point in the objective cycle. Renegotiation should be considered if results are not following the planned accomplishments. Other elements of the results managment program include the patrol management information system, feedback, graphics to provide a visual showing of where troopers stand at any point in time in relation to their objectives, team meetings, individual performance review, and quarterly progress reviews at the trooper level. In addition, informational feedback is obtained from employees to upgrade the selection of troopers, to improve supervisory training and assignment of management officers, and to improve the training program at the Colorado State Patrol Academy. Feedback from the general public will be obtained via a survey questionnaire. Finally, a speed monitoring program was initiated to monitor if the public follows the 55-mile speed limit.