NCJ Number
18195
Date Published
1973
Length
82 pages
Annotation
THIS REPORT PROVIDES DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HISTORY OF THE POLICE BOARD, THE STATUTORY FUNCTIONS OF THE POLICE BOARD AND THE OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD, AND CRITICIZES THE BOARD FOR ITS LACK OF POSITIVE AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION.
Abstract
THE POLICE BOARD HAS FIVE MEMBERS, APPOINTED BY THE MAYOR FOR FIVE-YEAR TERMS. NONE OF THE MEMBERS ARE EMPLOYEES OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND ALL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION. THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BOARD ON ITS FOUR STATUTORY FUNCTIONS IS ANALYZED. THESE FUNCTIONS ARE: TO REVIEW, APPROVE, AND SUBMIT TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET; TO ADOPT RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE GOVERNANCE OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT; TO ACT AS A NOMINATING COMMISSION WHEN THE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT'S JOB IS VACANT; AND TO CONDUCT HEARINGS AND DETERMINE THE PUNISHMENT IN SEVERE DISCIPLINE CASES FORWARDED TO THE BOARD BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. IT WAS FOUND THAT, OF THESE FOUR FUNCTIONS, ONLY THE DISCIPLINARY FUNCTION APPEARS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN A RESPONSIBLE AND INDEPENDENT FASHION. WITH REGARD TO THE OTHER STATUTORY DUTIES, IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE BOARD GOES THROUGH PRO FORMA DELIBERATIONS WHICH SERVE THE PURPOSE OF RATIFYING DECISIONS THAT HAVE ALREADY BEEN MADE ELSEWHERE IN THE CITY ADMINISTRATION. IT IS STATED THAT TWO PROBLEMS MUST BE CONFRONTED IF THE BOARD IS TO TAKE EFFECTIVE ACTION: LACK OF RESOURCES AND LACK OF INDEPENDENCE ON THE PART OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS. SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT ARE OFFERED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)