NCJ Number
110418
Date Published
1987
Length
145 pages
Annotation
This study examines the impact of future trends and events on the motivation and performance of mid-career police officers and forecasts the effectiveness of traditional reward systems in motivating the future work force.
Abstract
The forecast used a literature search and a nominal group technique involving appropriate experts from the public and private sectors. A survey of 243 mid-career officers was used to determine the problem's scope, and interviews with experts focused on exemplary private and governmental programs. A model incentive program designed to meet the needs of mid-career officers was developed from the survey analysis and the 'futures' projection. The model contains management training in motivational concepts, an evaluation methodology that fosters communications between supervisors and employees, an incentive of up to 5 days of annual leave in each evaluation period for superior performance, nonmonetary incentives such as awards and recognition for short-term excellent performance, and monetary awards for individuals or units that propose and implement programs to enhance revenues or reduce expenditures. Mid-career counseling is proposed to assist officers in coping with unrealized expectations and formalizing a plan for personal development. 37 notes, 24-item bibliography, and appended survey instrument and documentation. (Author abstract modified)