CHICAGO POLIC STAR - Chicago Cop.com

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Chicago Police Organization
This study finds the Chicago Police
Department to be in excellent condition.
Reorganization began and is continuing
with purpose, orderliness, and results.
All statistical yardsticks by which a
police department's performance can be
measured, although their limitations are
recognized, demonstrate the improvement.
The crime index trend is favorable; the
number of crimes cleared is up.
We found the organizational structure
to be basically sound in concept and implementation.
We find the level of police service increased,
even though the number of district
stations decreased. The present number
of district stations is adequate and
seems susceptible to further reduction .
Reporting Procedures
Although improvements can still be
made in the reporting process, it must be
emphasized that
(I) the present system is effective, accurate
and provides substantial information
(our proposals are to simplify the
process); and
(2) the Department is aware of any
existing weaknesses and is considering
reasonable remedies.
Allegations of excessive paperwork are
held to be unfounded, but the Department
might consider additional ways of feeding
back information produced by field personnel
so they will experience the fruit
of their contributions more directly.
Civilian Personnel
Civilian personnel might be considered
to replace police officers in some service
jobs if:
(I) costs of salaries could thereby be
reduced;
(2) services would be improved; and
(3) flexibility in assignments could be
maintained.
These three conditions must be present
to justify a change; otherwise the overall
operation would be impaired .
The administration has shown good
judgment in filling specialized positions
with professionally trained personnel. It
also has adopted a sound policy requiring
police officers to resign from their police
status before accepting a civilian classification
in the Department at higher pay.
Wisely, this policy was not made retroactive.
Mobile Patrol
Motorized patrol is deemed to be the
most suitable method of patrol to cope
with Chicago police problems. Foot patrol
has limited utility. Motorized patrol, on
4 CHICAGO POLICE STAR
(continued from page three)
the other hand, serves the advantage of
mobility and ready availability for service
requests.
Central control of manpower deployment
is necessary.
Manning Patrol Cars
Factors used in deploying patrol manpower
and designating patrols as oneor
two-man units are correct as far as
they go. But it is believed that they [i.e.,
one-man cars] could be expanded.
There is no indication, from field observations,
that two-man cars were any
more aggressive in preventive patrol work
than one-man cars.
There is no question but that one uniformed
officer, in a conspicuously marked
police car, assigned to an area . . . represents
the most economical and effective
police deterrent to crime.
Automotive Equipment
Essential to maintaining a deterrent
force is an adequate supply of motor
vehicles. This the Department has provided,
evidenced by the apparent omnipresence
of marked police cars on the
streets of Chicago. Their presence has
undoubtedly contributed to decreased
criminal activity.
Canine Operations
The panel endorses the use of dogs
and feels the use made of them by the
Department [i.e., primarily for searches,
preventive patrol and tracking] is sound.
Selection of Detectives
The Department's competitive exam
method is as practical and as fair as any
other . . . and the "forced ranking" system
of actual performance tends to correct
any limitations of the exam system.
Assignment of Detectives to
Area Headquarters
Changes made in methods of deploying
detectives [i.e., assigning them to area
headquarters] has been accompanied by
an improved crime solution record. In
view of the many other changes, it is not
possible to ascribe the improvement ex­
c1usively to this one change.
But it is apparent that the removal of
detectives from district stations has not
worked to the Department's disadvantage.
The resumption of detective patrols is
not recommended.
Field Supervision
Much effort will be necessary to im­
prove the quality of field superVISIon,
especially in the patrol force. Although
first and second level line supervision has
been increased in strength and authority,
supervisory techniques have not been applied
on the lower levels to the most
desirable degree.
Modification of the limitations on administrative
authority to discipline ineffectual
supervisors will help to remedy
this problem.
Discipline of Wrongdoers and
Incompetents; Development of Personnel
The Department's efforts to rid itself
of wrongdoers have been commendable
and effective.
Especially noteworthy is the responsibility
placed on line supervisors to investigate
complaints against police personnel.
The effort at getting rid of incompetent
personnel has been somewhat less noteworthy,
but, as time goes on, it can be
expected to improve.
Restrictions on recruitment and selection
tend to handicap the administration's
desires to recruit the most qualified personnel
for the ranks, wherever they may
be found .
For men now in the ranks, consideration
should be given to the development
of special status for competent, experienced
journeymen police officers including,
as part of such status, premium pay.
Morale
Morale is thought to be good. Esprit de
corps is high.
Summary
All participants in this study were very
favorably impressed with the Chicago
Police Department of 1964.
Law enforcement in Chicago is on a
sure footing. That more has not been done
is solely due to time limitations. The
progress of the last four years has been
nothing short of phenomenal. *