Date of Award

1-1979

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts: Personnel Administration

First Advisor

Richard Rickert

Second Advisor

Russ Johnson

Third Advisor

T. Nick Fenger

Abstract

This study, An Analysis of Employment Policy and Practices in a Local Law Enforcement Agency, examines the employment structures, policies, and practices of the St. Louis County Department of Police. Conducted as a culminating project for a Master of Arts in Personnel Administration, the analysis evaluates how organizational design, policy development, and employment decision-making align with established management theories and practical personnel needs in a public law enforcement agency.

The paper explores the Department's bureaucratic structure, highlighting characteristics such as a defined chain of command, rule-based decision-making, and rank-based specialization. Drawing from theorists such as Charles Perrow, Douglas McGregor, and Chris Argyris, the work critiques the Department’s reliance on traditional, hierarchical management approaches, including Theory X perspectives and quasi-military rank structures.

Significant attention is given to policy development, particularly through the Department’s formalized General Order system, which codifies rules and procedures. The author outlines how policies are initiated, reviewed, and implemented, with insights into organizational politics, communication channels, and decision-making authority. Although the Department is portrayed as bureaucratically rigid, recent reforms—such as the introduction of Rank and Assignment programs and Performance Award systems—signal efforts to modernize management practices and recognize employee performance.

The analysis is both descriptive and prescriptive, offering constructive criticism and recommendations for future policy improvement. The study concludes that while the Department has made strides in formalizing and standardizing employment practices, it must continue evolving toward participative management and responsive policy-making to better meet organizational goals and employee expectations.

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