NCJ Number
14421
Date Published
1974
Length
2 pages
Annotation
PROGRAM INITIATED BY THE OHIO STATE HIGHWAY PATROL TO OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION AND TO SOLVE ORGANIZATIONAL PROBLEMS BETWEEN TOP RANKING OFFICERS AND TROOPERS.
Abstract
ONE METHOD BY WHICH THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION ARE KEPT OPEN IS A SYSTEM WHEREBY TOP RANKING OFFICERS RIDE ON PATROL WITH A PATROLMAN AT REGULAR INTERVALS. THE PROGRAM WAS INSTITUTED IN 1971 AND PROVIDES THAT EVERY GENERAL HEADQUARTERS OFFICER MUST RIDE WITH A PATROLMAN FOR FOUR HOURS DURING THE NIGHT SEASON EVERY OTHER MONTH. AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE RIDE, THE GENERAL HEADQUARTERS OFFICER SUBMITS A WRITTEN REPORT OF HIS EXPERIENCES, OBSERVATIONS, AND DISCUSSIONS TO THE SUPERINTENDENT. THE PROGRAM HAS BECOME A VITAL METHOD OF GAINING INSIGHT INTO PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE DIVISION'S OPERATIONAL LEVEL. AN ADDITIONAL METHOD WHEREBY THE TROOPER'S PROBLEMS OR NEEDS ARE BROUGHT INTO THE OPEN IS THROUGH A LUNCHEON DISCUSSION PROGRAM. ONE TROOPER FROM EACH OF THE PATROL'S TEN DISTRICTS MEETS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT EVERY MONTH FOR AN INFORMAL LUNCH. THIS PROGRAM HAS ACHIEVED SUCCESS BECAUSE THE PATROLMAN REALIZES THAT MANAGEMENT IS INTERESTED IN HIS PROBLEMS AND IDEAS AND IS CONCERNED ABOUT HIS NEEDS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)