Essay Example on Busy Patrol Unit's Performance Wanes: Investigating the Impact of Partner Dynamics

Introduction

As the commander of the patrol division of a medium-sized metropolitan city, I have 33 patrols out on the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift. It is the busiest of all for drunk driving, burglaries, domestic calls and ATM robberies. Recently, I have noticed that one of the busiest sector units is dropping off in productivity. After investigating, it has been established that the patrol unit partners a veteran officer who is a married man and a single young female rookie are working in the area of concern. The rumour among the rest of the unit is that they are more than professional partners. After an investigation into the matter, it is confirmed that the two police officers are involved in a romantic relationship. This situation has led to a drop in activity for the club sector of the city and other businesses in the area. This problem ought to be addressed because of the negative impacts it is likely to have on policing and the security of the community.

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How the Opposite-Gender Police Partners Affect the Culture of the Patrol Unit

The romantic involvement of police partners is likely to affect the culture of the patrol unit. It is unethical for police officers to be involved in such behaviors while on duty. The culture of the patrol unit includes the fact that police personnel have to act in an ethical, professional and appropriate manner and also treat all persons they encounter with respect and dignity that they deserve. However, police officers are not supposed to engage in sexual conduct or other inappropriate behavior on duty. Because these two police officers have violated this code of conduct, it is likely to influence other officers to engage in the same behavior or worse. This situation is likely to erode the culture of the police patrol unit. It is, therefore, important for this behavior to stop so that the productivity and morale of the patrol unit can be maintained.

The Dangers That Could Arise In Intimate Relationships Between Partners

The dangers that could arise in an intimate relationship between partners as it pertains to daily patrol include: The failure of the police officers to do their jobs appropriately. The fact that the two are involved romantically can limit the ability of the two police officers to do their jobs according to expectation. This is because most of the time, their mind is distracted from what they are supposed to do on duty as they are more carried away by their emotions. The other danger is the likelihood of the two disagreeing, leading to violence. Intimate relationships are filled with a variety of issues that can escalate and result in violence, which can lead to emotional and physical harm (Nelson & Quick, 2012). The other danger is the possibility of the two being punished because of their actions. The inappropriate behavior cannot go unpunished because it can set a bad example for the other personnel.

How the Dangers Act As Triggers of Stress

These dangers can act as triggers of stress in various ways. The failure of the two to perform their roles effectively can lead to complaints resulting in the two being summoned and questioned for low productivity. This can be a source of stress because of the disagreement these police officers can have with their seniors. When the romantic relationship between the two police officers is affected negatively, it is impossible for the two to work together effectively, and this can affect their job performance. Romantic relationships can be a source of stress, especially when the two are not in good terms due to conflict, and this can increase their stress levels (Ellison, 2004). The two police officers can be punished because of the sexual conduct and inappropriate behavior in the workplace, and this can cause stress to them.

Policy Measures

An employer can establish appropriate policy measures to alleviate police dating in the workplace. Policies that prohibit office romance can be helpful in the future because it can discourage people from engaging in such behaviors. The first step involves having a written down policy document containing rules (Amaral, 2006). Further, it must stipulate the consequences for violating the policy. The policy must specify the acceptable and unacceptable dating behavior, encourage disclosures and put limits to personal relationships in the workplace.

Justification of Policy Measures

Having a written policy can help employees to read and understand what the company expects them to do or not to do in the workplace to avoid misunderstanding, conflict and inappropriate behavior. Outlining the consequences can help employees’ link behavior with the consequences and therefore avoid such behaviors. Additionally, specification of what is acceptable and what is not can be helpful in controlling the behavior of people.

Possible Potential Stressors If the Affair Reached the Public

The potential stressors that could become present if the affair of two officers reached the public include the pressure for the two to be transferred or be punished. This pressure can cause these police officers to develop stress because of anger and disappointment. Further, there is a possibility of the two to feel ashamed of their behaviors especially for the veteran officer who is married. The fear of his family discovering his behavior can be a source of stress.

References

Amaral, H. P. (2006). Workplace romance and fraternization policies.

Ellison, K. W. (2004). Stress and the police officer. Springfield, Ill: Charles C. Thomas.

Nelson, D., & Quick, J. (2012). Organizational Behavior: Science, the real world, and you. South-Western Cengage Learning.