NCJ Number
15333
Date Published
1974
Length
138 pages
Annotation
CASE STUDIES OF THE GROWTH OF POLICE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS IN PHILADELPHIA (PA), BUFFALO (NY), AND BALTIMORE (MD).
Abstract
THE PHILADELPHIA LODGE OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE WAS CHOSEN AS AN EXAMPLE OF A STRONG EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION. BUFFALO WAS STUDIED AS A CITY WITH MODERATE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION STRENGTH. THERE THE UNAFFILIATED POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION COMPETES WITH AND IS INFLUENCED BY THE SILVER SHIELDS, AN ORGANIZATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR PATROLMEN. THE THIRD CITY, BALTIMORE, HAS TWO COMPARATIVELY WEAK POLICE ORGANIZATIONS. DOCUMENTED ACTIONS OF POLICE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE AREA OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COVER THEIR FIGHTS AGAINST CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARDS AND THE EFFORTS OF EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION LEADERS TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE DETERMINATION AND OPERATION OF INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES. ALSO EXAMINED ARE THE EFFORTS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION LEADERS TO LIMIT THE TRADITIONAL PREROGATIVES OF POLICE ADMINISTRATORS AND COMMISSIONERS TO UNILATERALLY DETERMINE DEPARTMENT POLICIES. DESCRIBED IN DETAIL IS THE INFLUENCE EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE HAD ON SUCH ISSUES AS THE WEARING OF NAME TAGS, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FOURTH-PLATOON SYSTEM, PROMOTIONAL CRITERIA, DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES, AND RIOT POLICY. (SNI ABSTRACT)