Case Studies with Questions and Answers
Chapter 12: Evaluating Police Performance
During the month of August, a change in the atmosphere begins to surface within a small police department in the south. Depending on certain circumstances, some of officers may openly discuss the reality of this experience; most officers chose to avoid the subject matter altogether. As with any law enforcement agency, police performance appraisals are conducted on an annual basis with each officer.
There are certainly mixed emotions regarding this experience among the personnel. For the officers who are expecting positive feedback and possible promotion opportunities, there is excitement and anticipation. However, for the officers who performed marginally or were the subject of internal investigations, there is worry and frustration. The supervisors charged with conducting such evaluations are not exempt from the feelings of ambiguity and anxiety. Not only are they frustrated at the expense of receiving additional responsibilities, they are also concerned about the negative potential impact of their evaluative decisions