NCJ Number
84470
Journal
Police Science Abstracts Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1982) Pages: i-v
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Project Group on Organizational Structures (PGOS), a committee appointed to study police manpower problems in the Netherlands, recommends initiating organizational change in the police forces.
Abstract
The PGOS considers team policing as the fundamental starting point for the police organization. The team concept should consist of geographical decentralization, decentralization of responsibilities, reduction of hierarchical levels, execution of the total police task by each officer (in principle), and encouragement of participation in the police process by all officers. PGOS finds that much police manpower is wasted mainly because of deficiencies in current organization and management. Severe problems exist in police internal and external functioning, mainly caused by Ministry of the Interior policies. Municipal police forces are now working to solve mutual problems. Case studies of police departments already undergoing organizational change is being conducted, including U.S. police departments. Research theories are mentioned. Eight reference notes are provided.