NCJ Number
14140
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (MARCH 1974) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1974
Length
5 pages
Annotation
PROJECT OF THE DAYTON, OHIO POLICE TO DECENTRALIZE THE DEPARTMENT INTO TEAMS OF 'GENERALIST-SPECIALIST' OFFICERS WHO ARE SUFFICIENTLY SKILLED TO CONDUCT ALL TYPES OF INVESTIGATIONS FROM DISPATCH TO FINAL COURT DISPOSITION.
Abstract
THE EXPERIMENTAL PROJECT, WHICH BEGAN IN 1970, WAS LIMITED TO FOUR 10-MAN TEAMS IN ONE OF THE FIVE POLICE DISTRICTS OF THE CITY. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT WERE TO ALTER THE BUREAUCRATIC AND PARAMILITARY STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT, PRODUCE A COMMUNITY-CENTERED STRUCTURE RESPONSIVE TO NEIGHBORHOOD LIFE STYLES, AND TO TEST THE GENERALIST-SPECIALIST APPROACH TO POLICE WORK. TRADITIONAL PROCEDURES, IN WHICH A PATROL OFFICER NEVER HEARS ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING HIS INVESTIGATION, ARE THE MAIN CONTRIBUTOR TO THE INCREASING MORALE PROBLEM FOUND IN MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS. BESIDES BUILDING MORE CONFIDENT AND WELL-ROUNDED POLICEMEN, TEAM POLICING GIVE THE OFFICER THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING THE RESULTS OF HIS EFFORTS. IT ALSO REDUCES THE NUMBER OF PERSONNEL CONTACTING A CITIZEN TO A MAXIMUM OF TWO, WHICH REDUCES THE CITIZEN'S CONFUSION AND LEAVES MORE PERSONNEL AVAILABLE TO RESPOND TO HIGH PRIORITY INVESTIGATIONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)