What Retention Strategies Will Be Necessary to Keep Sworn Officers in Departments of 15 Officers or Less by the Year 1997?

• NCJ Number: 114083
• Author(s): R L Sands
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 71 pages
• Corporate Author: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Futures research methodologies were used to examine staff retention problems in small police departments and to suggest strategies for dealing with this issue.

Abstract

The analysis focused on five issues: benefits, the financial stability of local governments, diversity of job opportunities, local political attitudes, and the effects of catastrophic lawsuits on small law enforcement agencies. These issues were examined using literature scanning, the nominal group technique, personal interviews, cross impact analysis, and other methods. The research identified management techniques that will help reduce high turnover. It also found that a well-planned officer retention program in a small police agency will result in an effective and efficient police operation, improving morale and citizen satisfaction and reducing operating costs. Program components should include longevity pay, specialized work assignments, written goals with constant input from the officers, and a strong commitment from administration to maintain the goals and aid in their implementation. Figures, appended methodological information, and 12 references.