NCJ Number
81293
Date Published
1979
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This report assesses the management practices and operations of the South Dakota Division of Highway Patrol.
Abstract
The 5-day onsite visit to collect necessary data was made in June 1979. The evaluators conferred with the Governor and the director of the State planning agency; interviewed the Highway Patrol superintendent and staff and others; developed a survey instrument to determine the attitudes of sworn employees; rode with officers to observe trooper procedures, attitudes, and conduct; and interviewed various Department of Public Safety personnel. Results are given about the organization, management, and employee turnover. The report suggest that a research and planning unit be established at headquarters, that a proactive internal affairs posture be adopted and a regular inspection program undertaken, that the post of administrative lieutenant be eliminated, that a fourth district be created from portions of the other three, and that the number of captains be reduced to the number of available captain's billets. District and squad meetings should be held more frequently, and greater emphasis shold be given to participatory management. Crucial problems in personnel management and pay scales are identified, and recommendations covering these areas are detailed. Further research is needed. Footnotes, tables, and graphs are supplied. A list of persons interviewed, the survey questionnaire, and a letter are appended.