Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the opinions and attitudes of law enforcement supervisors and managers related to risk management. Specifically, this study examined the areas of policy and procedure, training, and performance management tools to understand the manner in which these facets of law enforcement are implemented in support of effective risk management at the operational level. The manner in which agencies communicate risk management priorities was also examined. Theoretical Framework. The theoretical framework of this study was based on the research foundations of organizational theory, policy implementation theory, and decision theory. Methodology. This research project utilized a 31-question survey consisting of both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The survey was distributed to sergeants and above (excluding chiefs of police) from 12 municipal police departments of various sizes in a large Southern California county; 187 responses were utilized in the analysis. In addition, an open-source analysis of agency websites and official agency Facebook pages was conducted to assess how departments communicate the importance of risk management to internal and external stakeholders. Findings. The findings indicate that police supervisors and managers are informed by department policies as well as pre- and post-risk-event training when implementing risk management at the operational level. However, the findings suggest that performance management tools are not as effective as a risk management tool. When examining the communication of risk management priorities, this study found law enforcement agencies do not broadly or effectively communicate the importance of risk management to internal or external stakeholders. Lastly, the communication of a risk management philosophy does positively impact police supervisors and managers when implementing risk management at the operational level. Conclusions and Recommendations. The field of law enforcement operates in a highly litigious environment where the need for legitimate and constitutional policing cannot be understated. The implementation of an effective risk management program can assist police agencies in mitigating risk when properly applied at the operational level. The findings of this study indicate law enforcement risk management programs are effective, particularly in small to medium sized agencies, but do have room for improvement as it applies to the use of performance management tools to promote accountability. Furthermore, higher ranking officials tend to support risk management programs to a greater degree, leading to several recommendations for law enforcement practitioners.