NCJ Number
108804
Journal
Policing Volume: 3 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1987) Pages: 256-270
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
In the police services, the roles of inspector and sergeant are managerial in nature because much of their time is spent influencing the purpose and activities of others in the organization to achieve objectives, rather than in directly contributing toward those objectives themselves.
Abstract
To carry out their managerial role, officers in supervisory ranks need a clear understanding of the mission of the organization, the function of the department or work group, the activities and skills required and their rationale, and the location and timing of activities. In addition, they must understand the contact pattern of the manager with others and the results and effects of changes in mission, function, or other dimensions. To avoid role conflict, it also is important that those working for them and those managing them share similar perceptions of these dimensions. The importance of these dimensions to effective management is highlighted by research showing that in England inspectors are responsible for variety of activities including personnel management, liaison, negotiation, advising, policy management self-development, planning, and control and discipline. Finally, to be effective in the managerial role, supervisors must have a system for monitoring and evaluating the effects of their efforts. 4 diagrams.