NCJ Number
105008
Date Published
1984
Length
49 pages
Annotation
A survey was conducted of middle-ranking police officers in the Metropolitan Police (London, England) to determine how officers view themselves and their jobs, the perceived qualities necessary to the job, and the potential role of training and management development in assisting in their growth.
Abstract
Questionnaire data for 178 respondents (of 265 in the sample pool) indicate that officers are practical, down to earth, logical, and decisive. Of 29 key influences on career development, officers felt the most important were the ability to work with a wide variety of people, flexibility of managerial style, sound technical training, family support, responsibility for important tasks, and ambition and drive. Areas of training and development that were seen as most important for senior officers included people skills, assessment, and professional and financial management skills. Overall results indicate that an integrated policy of management development needs to be generated within each police authority that is suited to its own particular problems and needs. Of paramount importance to effective performance of officers in rank positions is the development of effective people management skills. Career planning is needed to provide a balanced, broad range of work experience and police functions. In addition, the skills needed to perform effectively must be identified. Consequently, assessment centers should be considered an integral part of the career planning process. 19 references.