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Abstract: This case is one of a series of hypothetical cases about fictional "Mayor Evan Sweeney," written for executive training programs for new mayors, that frame the quintessential problems faced by municipal chief executives. This case concerns the challenges the Mayor faces in his efforts to reform the city's beleaguered Police Department. Others in the series address labor relations and negotiations with a public employees union, the degree to which political influence should be extended to influence the tactics and mission of a city agency staffed by people who view themselves as professionals, and the trade-offs and strategic options that arise when a chief executive must cut back a budget.
Learning Objective: This case was written to be used in executive training programs for new mayors. It explores the mandates and limits of political power through a tightly focused decision-forcing narrative.
Other Details
Case Author:
Arnold Howitt, George L. Kelling and William J. Bratton