2018-02-13
436
The structure of law enforcement agencies is a combination of several influences: 1) they are created by legal mandates; 2) they have a clear organizational structure; 3) they are controlled by political authorities; and 4) their authority is limited to specific jurisdictional areas. Several aspects of most modern police agencies, particularly those of large cities, have been modeled after the military and are referred to as the paramilitary model. The wearing of distinctive uniforms and the rank-based chain of command are borrowed from the military. Within an overall paramilitary organizational structure, many contemporary police departments utilize modem management and service concepts, such as quality circle management, community policing, and problem-oriented policing.
Chain of Command refers to a system in which commands flow downwards from the top of a hierarchy while information flows upward. Most large agencies have such a chain of command regardless of their function. Smaller agencies tend to be less formal. Accompanying this chain of command is a unity of command in which each officer has one, and only one, supervisor to whom the officer is directly responsible. This allows a clear system of accountability and helps avoid confusion within the agency.
The use of civil service systems to guide the selection and promotion of police personnel is one major result of the American emphasis on equality, due process and fairness. Civil service systems use bureaucratic methods to assure that consistent standards are used in setting job qualifications, selecting employees, awarding promotions, and disciplining employees. Civil service came about in response to the abuses of government hiring practices in the past. By using civil service procedures, government jobs are protected from political and personal favoritism. Even though police agency heads are either elected or appointed by elected officials, changes in political leadership do not affect the average officer because of civil service protection. This allows agencies to maintain a continuous flow of quality services, regardless of changes in leadership. Civil service is a method of balancing the power of the agency head(s) with that of an external body; the civil service commission or board.
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Distinguishing Traits of a Bureaucracy
1. All decisions are guided by rules;
2. Labor is divided into specialized task areas;
3. Power structure is hierarchical;
4. Jobs are perceived as careers; and
5. Record-keeping is of paramount importance.
Main Advantages:
1. Efficient processing of a large number of cases by a relatively small number of employees;
2. Quick replacement of individual employees allows uninterrupted service;
3. All cases are handled according to the same procedures and rules (equal treatment);
4. Assurance of specialized expertise.
Main Disadvantages:
1. Emphasis on methods/procedures distracts attention from agency goals;
2. Concern with career advancement and paperwork can lead to a lack of concern with those being served;
3. Alienation among both employees and those being served by them.
Variant # 9 „Л”
