NCJ Number
88871
Date Published
1970
Length
346 pages
Annotation
This survey of the Cairo Police Department, which has been ineffective in dealing with racial strife that threatens civil order in the city, identifies inadequacies in all phases of the department's organization and operations and offers recommendations for improvement.
Abstract
The project called for (1) an examination of crime and police problems, police manpower, material resources, and community attitudes; (2) a study of the organizational structure as well as the administrative and managerial procedures of the department; (3) a schedule of manpower allocation and distribution; (4) an examination of communications and records functions; (5) a study of the relationships between the Cairo Police Department and other agencies; and (6) an evaluation of the department's personnel practices and operational procedures. The survey found that the department has long suffered from inadequate and incompetent leadership, and many officers are untrained. These conditions are reflected in the manner in which the department approaches the various problems it has faced. Consequently, the citizens have little faith in their police department. It is apparent that racial strife and related violent acts are the primary police problem and that some members of the department and city officials are insensitive to the racial conditions confronting them. In failing to apply basic principles of organization and management, authority has not been assigned commensurate with responsibility, confusion exists between rank and function, and the records system is deficient. Other problems include (1) the absence of written directives, (2) haphazard patrolling, (3) no community relations program, and (4) inadequate facilities. Recommendations are offered in all these areas. Tables, charts, graphs, and forms are provided.