NCJ Number
137597
Date Published
1989
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The Maryland State Police have established a computerized personnel allocation system known as the Total Obligated Time Index (TOTI) to determine workloads and personnel needs in a systematic manner, rather than relying upon rudimentary workload criteria and political determinations of need.
Abstract
Development of the system began in 1987, using existing records on the time involved to handle calls for service. Time and motion studies were also used to determine the average time associated with issuing documents such as traffic citations, warnings, equipment repair orders, and traffic safety reports. The time required for support duties such as maintenance, meetings, meals, and miscellaneous paperwork was also determined. Computer programs used these and other data to calculate how many troopers would be needed to staff each installation at predetermined workload levels and to perform other calculations. The system has enabled the agency to place additional patrol positions where they are most needed and to supply documentation to substantiate requests for additional troopers. The new system is simple and flexible and has been well accepted by police personnel at all levels. Figures and charts