NCJ Number
73103
Date Published
1980
Length
50 pages
Annotation
A job satisfaction survey was conducted in March 1979 to gather information about the job satisfaction of personnel within the Virginia Beach, Va., Police Department.
Abstract
The evaluation was part of a larger evaluation of the department's Integrated Criminal Apprehension Program, which was designed to upgrade the patrol system, focus efforts on serious crimes and crimes committed by repeat offenders, and increase citizen satisfaction with the department. A questionnaire containing 76 items was administered to 305 full-time sworn officers. The response rate to the anonymous survey was 79 percent. Results showed that most officers were gaining personal satisfaction from their jobs and would like to remain in their present occupations. Attitudes toward immediate supervisors, usually sergeants, were generally positive. The majority of officers felt, however, that the department was not open to change, did not always select qualified people, and did not provide adequate opportunity to advance one's skills. Other problem areas identified were communication of decisions from those at the rank of lieutenant or above, personnel policies, and specialized training. Patrol duty was ranked positively in terms of its contact with the public but worse than other assignments in terms of promotion opportunities, pay, and benefits. Management's responses were most positive in all work-related attitudes; detectives; the least positive. Assignments also affected attitudes. Nevertheless, most of the officers would like to remain in police work. Tables are included. (Author abstract modified)