ABSTRACT
Decision-making or “deciding” is the “D” in LODESTAR; this is different from the “D” in POSDCORB, which stands for “directing.” Decision-making is found at every process stage in the justice system, often with lower-level officials making critical decisions the whole organization must live with. Managerial decisions are those that involve the mission, goals, objectives, policies, and end states desired for the organization. Strategic managerial planning was a key feature of large-scale military planning in the two World Wars. The US military has done complex operational planning and decision-making, involving thousands and even millions of persons, for much of its history. Task forces and T-Groups are small working committees or training groups that study, make collective decisions, and implement action programs to effect major changes. Making decisions and planning ahead will be a chore faced by all criminal justice managers.
