The Topics In Unit 3 Were The Police Executive And Functions ✓ Solved

The topics in Unit 3 were the police executive and functions

The topics in Unit 3 were the police executive and functions of police management. For your Unit 3 Complete section assignment, write an essay (minimum of 1,200 words and at least three scholarly sources) in which you address the questions below. Your essay should also incorporate both the READ and ATTEND sections of Unit 3 and you MUST cite your sources in APA format.

  • List the six basic police management functions discussed in this week's assignment and describe the purpose of each of these functions.
  • Identify and explain the two basic roles of the law enforcement executive.
  • Read Case Study 4, "Gaining Outside Commitment in Lowell, Massachusetts" and Case Study 5, "Leading Change in Riverside California". Keeping the two basic roles in mind, thoroughly explain the internal and external roles displayed by both chiefs. Be sure to include successes and/or failures in your explanation.
  • Identify and explain the four executive styles. For the chiefs in the two studies, which of the four styles would you use to describe each of them and why.

Paper For Above Instructions

In contemporary law enforcement, the role of police executives and their management functions is pivotal for effective policing and community engagement. This essay delves into the six fundamental police management functions, the dual roles of law enforcement executives, an analysis of two case studies focusing on their internal and external roles, and an examination of executive styles. By integrating scholarly sources and case study observations, the complexities and nuances of police leadership are illuminated.

Six Basic Police Management Functions

The six primary functions of police management encompass planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling, and evaluating. Each of these functions serves a distinct purpose:

  • Planning: This function involves setting objectives and outlining strategies to achieve them. Effective planning allows police departments to anticipate challenges, allocate resources efficiently, and develop proactive approaches to policing.
  • Organizing: Organizing entails the arrangement of resources, tasks, and personnel to execute the plans effectively. It ensures that clear roles and responsibilities are defined, fostering operational efficiency.
  • Staffing: Staffing focuses on recruiting, training, and retaining personnel. This function is critical in ensuring that the police force is adequately equipped with skilled and knowledgeable officers to meet community needs.
  • Directing: Directing involves guiding and supervising staff to achieve organizational goals. It is essential for instilling motivation and ensuring that police officers are aligned with the department's mission.
  • Controlling: This function entails monitoring activities and ensuring that they align with the established plans. Through controlling, police executives can identify inconsistencies and implement corrective measures as needed.
  • Evaluating: Evaluating assesses the effectiveness of police operations and management processes. Continuous evaluation informs future strategies and reinforces accountability.

Basic Roles of the Law Enforcement Executive

Law enforcement executives typically assume two primary roles: the internal and external roles. The internal role focuses on managing police personnel, maintaining morale, and fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism within the department. In contrast, the external role involves engaging with the community, building partnerships, and representing the police force in public forums. This duality is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that policing strategies align with community needs.

Case Study Analysis

In Case Study 4, "Gaining Outside Commitment in Lowell, Massachusetts," the chief’s external role revolved around fostering community partnerships to enhance crime prevention efforts. By actively engaging stakeholders, the chief successfully generated buy-in for various initiatives, showcasing the importance of external relationships. However, internal challenges arose, as there was pushback from some officers resistant to changing the established culture of the department.

Conversely, in Case Study 5, "Leading Change in Riverside California," the chief embraced both roles by implementing a comprehensive reform agenda that aimed at improving internal operations while also establishing robust community relations. The chief's efforts to enhance transparency and accountability demonstrated a commitment to rebuilding public trust, yielding positive results. However, resistance from officers who felt threatened by the changes posed significant barriers that the chief had to navigate.

Executive Styles

Police executives exhibit various leadership styles that influence their effectiveness. The four executive styles include:

  • Authoritative: This style is characterized by strong control and directive leadership.
  • Participative: Leaders who engage subordinate personnel in decision-making processes exemplify this style.
  • Delegative: This style involves granting autonomy to subordinates, encouraging initiative and innovation.
  • Transactional: Focusing on exchanges between the chief and officers, this style prioritizes compliance and performance evaluation.

In analyzing the chiefs from the case studies, the chief in Lowell aligns closely with the participative style, as they actively sought community input and engagement while navigating internal opposition. In Riverside, the chief displayed a transactional style, addressing immediate concerns while implementing step-wise changes. The variation in styles between the two chiefs reflects their distinct approaches to leadership, shaped by context and circumstances.

Conclusion

Effective police management is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of core functions and the duality of executive roles. The successful navigation of internal and external challenges requires strategic leadership that is adaptable to changing environments while remaining grounded in a commitment to community engagement. The examination of policing styles further illustrates the dynamic nature of law enforcement leadership, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, innovation, and communication in achieving organizational goals.

References

  • Carter, D. L. (2005). The police executive: What it means and what it takes to lead a police organization. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management.
  • Maxfield, M. G., & Babbie, E. R. (2015). Research methods for criminal justice and criminology. Cengage Learning.
  • Mastrofski, S. D., & Worden, R. E. (2003). Police organization in the 21st century. Police Quarterly.
  • Worden, R. E. (1990). The “myth” of police professionalism. Perspectives on Policing.
  • Hickman, M. J., & Piquero, A. R. (2009). The importance of leadership in policing. Journal of Criminal Justice.
  • Eck, J. E., & Clarke, R. V. (2003). Police management. Theoretical perspectives on police management.
  • Fielding, N. G. (1995). Police effectiveness: A new agenda for police research. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management.
  • Wolfe, S. E., & Piquero, A. R. (2011). The influence of police managerial style on police officers' perceptions of beyond compliance. Journal of Criminal Justice.
  • Weber, M. (1947). The Theory of Social and Economic Organization. The Free Press.
  • Segrave, K., & Ratcliffe, J. (2011). The role of leadership in police organizations: A time for action? The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles.