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Taylorization of Police Work - Prospects for the 1980s

NCJ Number
87401
Journal
Insurgent Sociologist Volume: 10, V 11 Issue: 4, N 1 Dated: special issue (Summer/Fall 1981) Pages: 25-32
Author(s)
S Harring
Date Published
1981
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Taylorization, the process of breaking down police work into a number of simpler elements under the control of police administrators, may increase productivity and efficiency, but it also tends to increase worker job dissatisfaction and alienation from management.
Abstract
The Taylorization of policing produces increased specialization, especially within the broad area of patrol, which has reduced the autonomy and discretion of the patrol officer. Many jobs formerly performed by sworn officers, i.e., the issuing of parking tickets, directing traffic, analyzing evidence, etc., are now performed by civilians, many of whom receive lower salaries than police officers. Automation in the areas of information, surveillance, and communications functions has produced increased management control over police work and reduced officer participation in certain departmental activities. Blocked mobility opportunities under Taylorization also sharpen differences between management and the rank-and-file. Thus, Taylorization carries seeds which undermine police solidarity, dividing the rank-and-file from police administrators and civilian workers from both the rank-and-file and the administrators. These divisive and alienating forces make the police institution less effective and may force city officials to move faster with Taylorization to deal with perceived problems. The police rank-and-file is then likely to be driven closer to other city workers and the working class generally, contributing to a further decline in the 'professionalization' of police. Twenty-six references are listed.

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