NCJ Number
11022
Date Published
Unknown
Length
12 pages
Annotation
REVIEW OF THE VICTORIA, TEXAS POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 19681969 REORGANIZATION FROM A MILITARY STRUCTURE INTO ONE ORIENTED TO PRACTICES OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.
Abstract
THE CHIEF MOTIVATION FOR THE REORGANIZATION WAS THE CONTINUED LOSS OF TRAINED OFFICERS DUE TO LIMITED PROMOTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES. MILITARY RANKS WERE PHASED OUT AND BUSINESS-ORIENTED LEVELS ADOPTED, WITH CREATION OF FIVE PROFESSIONAL PAY GRADES OTHER THAN THE NORMAL SUPERVISORY POSITIONS. THE RECRUIT ENTERS THE FORCE AS 'A PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEE'. AFTER SIX MONTHS OF SATISFACTORY SERVICE, HE ADVANCES TO 'PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER' WITH THREE MINOR PAY INCREASES. AFTER A TOTAL OF 18 MONTHS SERVICE THE RECRUIT ENTERS THE PROFESSIONAL GRADES, WITH THE TITLE OF 'PUBLIC SAFETY TECHNICIAN'. CRITERIA FOR ADVANCEMENT THROUGH THE FIVE PROFESSIONAL GRADES ARE MEASURED BY A MERIT POINT SYSTEM AND INCLUDE SATISFACTORY SERVICE, REQUIRED POLICE TRAINING HOURS, AND COLLEGE SEMESTER HOURS. THUS A MAN MAY ADVANCE HIMSELF BY HIS OWN MERIT AND MOTIVATION, AND NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR A VACANCY IN A HIGHER POSITION. TOP POLICE MANAGEMENT RECEIVES FORMAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT EDUCATION. THE CHANGES HAVE PROVEN SUCCESSFUL IN AIDING CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND PERSONNEL RETENTION.