NCJ Number
145981
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 66 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1993) Pages: 361-365
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police unions are a powerful and sophisticated political force that new police chiefs must learn to deal with.
Abstract
The labor relations process can be broken down into three distinguishable components: 1) recognition and designation of specific groups that will form a particular bargaining unit of police employees; 2) election among prospective members to belong or not belong to the unit, and to choose the exclusive bargaining unit; and 3) negotiation, which may entail cutting jobs or salaries. Police chiefs should insist that bargaining units have a "commonality of interests," and should be aware of back-door electoral tactics that may undermine authority. New chiefs should not rush into change, but get to know their employees and begin to gather facts. The fact-gathering process may include the following steps: 1) an internal organizational assessment of every unit in the department; 2) structured and informal discussions with key management to address concerns and obtain suggestions; 3) public forums in which general citizens can speak out on issues; 4) executive staff interviews with key media, education, business, municipal, and criminal justice system representatives in the jurisdiction; 5) evaluation of key policies, organizational structure, and career development; 6) small group meetings in which individuals at all ranks in the department may voice their concerns; and 7) development or revision of a departmental mission statement to reflect the values of the department. 6 references