Public Administration ETDs

Jesus B. Sosa

Publication Date

5-6-1974

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of deterioration of relations between the police and the public, and the extent of preparation New Mexico police have had to counteract such trend. This study turns the focus on "the heart of the police problem" - The problem of personal behaviors. It summarizes what is known about police deficiencies, examines the qualifications and training necessary for effective performance, considers why these needs have been so long neglected, and suggests the kinds of programs and policies that would enable police in the State to play a responsible role in minimizing this conflict. To reflect this specific area of human relations, the paper focuses on the individual officer and what he brings to the organization and what the organizational interactions do to him. In this setting, the research approach consisted of literature findings of the police and the public behavior during order maintenance operations. Today, extensive information is available about police organization and training, police recruitment and promotion, public attitudes toward the police, police attitudes toward the public, and typical kinds of police­public interaction. Because of the many variables in human behavior the study only evaluated some. Realizing that public relation, community relations, and training are ways of understanding each other's problems, the study looked at these three, and particularly the training aspect. The study assumed that if the latter is adequate, then the other two would have a better chance of functioning. A second method of inquiry was made of eleven major police departments in the State with questionnaires and interviews to determine extent of systematic and formal education. Scores on total averages is the test of significance to determine whether they measure up to the Federal recommended level of preparation - college completed by police in the State. A major conclusion is that New Mexico is behind in Federal educational demands. Since the human factor proves the most difficult to control and may actively resist change, the process of raising the general level of police will prove to be a lengthy one.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Albert H. Rosenthal

Second Committee Member

Gerald Joseph Boyle

Third Committee Member

Donald Winston Smithburg

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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