What are the causes of line/staff tensions in police organizations? How can these problems be addressed?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Street officers very often resent administrative officers because they think administrative officers are too removed from the reality of street crimes and every day citizens' issues. It becomes a more intense issue when administrative personnel are civilians rather than sworn officers with street crime experience. The administrative officers and civilians need to communicate to the line officers and middle management and explain the departmental policies that affect line officers. Besides memorandums, the administrative officers need to have "face time" with line officers and middle management and have an effective feedback system. It also helps to change policy when the feedback is negative and admit to the need for change. When administrative officers' policy works, they also need to take credit. Positive communication and honesty does wonders in solving these line/staff problems. A permanent committee reviewing orders from staff to line officers would be extremely useful.