Expert: Loren Stevens - 9/20/2005

Question
Thank you for your help. I asked because I am working on a piece of fiction that has some minor characters who are police officers. The story takes place in San Francisco and discovered that what information I have seems to contradict itself. Their web site suggests it is one per precinct. I'm not sure of a source where I can go for information for the novel so appreciate your help. Seems that one captain per precinct would be terribly busy but then I'm sure things would go through a lot of people before it got to him or her. That city would certainly have a large tourist trade.

Thank you so much,
Tabitha  

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Followup To
Question -
Hello,

I'm wondering how many captains there usually are per precinct (if I'm using the right word) in a big city police station if there even is a 'usual.' I was under the impression that there was a captain for robbery, homicide, counterfeit investigations, different types of investigations, but recently heard that each station only has one captain and several lieutenants. Is this typically the case?

Thank you
Answer -
Hello Tabitha,
As you might suspect, the answer to your question is:  "It depends"
That's not very helpful I know, but there are too many variables that prohibit a template for organizational design.
If you are doing research, you'll want to focus in on: STAFFING PATTERNS, and SPAN of CONTROL areas.
In medium to medium large agencies, there is one captain per substation, or precinct.
There role, is that of staff mgt, representing the agency executive head. S/he is a "command" grade officer, usually consumed with administration duties, being a reviewer, problem solving and inspections.
Several large east coast departments have precincts that include investigative subdivisions. West coast agencies tend to have centralized investigative units, and use substations(akin to a precinct) for uniform field services.
It depends on tradition in some parts of the country, or cultural, on how the agency is set up. It also depends on the land area and/or population it serves. Other factors include if there is a large tourism or convention industry, which skews the numbers of people being served. Are there state, or national boundrys in the jurisdiction...etc
The number of commissioned and civilian employees assigned to a substation/precinct also determines how it is structured and staffed.
Also, the subdivision of the investigative functions depends on the case load and number of employees assigned. This determines if a captain, LT. or even a Sgt. is in charge of the subdivisions.
Without trying to be picayune with your question, "counterfeiting" cases are the primary responsibility of the US Secret service, Dept. of the Treasury.
So, number of employees, case load (part 1&2 offenses) and area of responsibility usually determines the rank of the person in charge. This is not unlike the military, which is still structured similar to the old Roman Legion.
Sometimes complexity of matters can influence rank status.
Usually......one capt. per substation/precinct.
Hope this helps, and not confuses.
regards,
loren

Answer
Hello Tabitha,
You are welcome, and glad I could help.
I can tell you with a measure of certainty, that Captains do get enough rest, and that job fatigue is not too overwhelming for them.
"Span of controll" at the mgt level tends to be about 3-5 Lt's under each captain, and about 4-6 Sgt's under each Lt.
I would guess that the San Francisco PD has a web site. You may want to do some verification for accuracy. You would try to deal with the Community Relations or Public Relations person(s)
You shouldn't even have to say why you want the information.
About the only areas and units on a police dept where they are sensitive about giving out numbers or other information are those engaged in covert ops. eg., narc, vice, intel or even swat.
Every rank level does what is called "delegation" to lower ranking personnel in their charge. Believe me...Captains have developed those skills to Hall of fame levels.
Their primary function is overseer, and responding accordingly to anything that requires more zeal, or repair.
Sometimes, you can obtain various information from the "International Assoc. of Chiefs of Police" web site. And, sub sites at the US DOJ.
Good luck on your writing effort (and please, TRY to be gentile with those who wear the star............)
Regards,
loren