NCJ Number
190350
Date Published
2001
Length
156 pages
Annotation
This text outlines the development, writing, and implementation of policies for law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
Chapter 1 discusses the key concepts of policy foundation laid by the United States Constitution, the impact of the civil rights statute, the role of law enforcement in society, and the role of policies in a law enforcement agency. Chapter 2 presents the policy implications of three cases affecting policy: Monell v. Dept. of Social Services of the City of New York, Canton v. Harris, and Tennessee v. Garner. Chapter 3 discusses proactive reviews of current agency operations, specific areas where policies are needed, steps for identifying additional areas needing policies, and the importance of documentation. Chapter 4 outlines the development process: compiling a list of preliminary needs, available resources for policy development, and putting together a policy development plan. Chapter 5, Developing Policy, focuses on the agenda for the initial meeting of the resource group, assigning and conducting research on policy issues, makings decisions based on research, the individual components required of all policies, and identifying the additional components of a particular policy should have. Chapters 6 and 7 highlight the writing and review of a draft policy. Key concepts are writing for the correct target audience, possible formats, and the initial review. Chapters 8 and 9 focus on the training and enforcement of policy with emphasis on policy certification and re-certification. Chapter 10 discusses feedback, the role of an Agency Risk Manager, and acting on policy feedback. Chapter 11 presents key concepts of litigation: the importance of documentation, a general plan to defend against lawsuits, planning measures to take when a lawsuit is likely, steps to take upon being notified of a lawsuit, and what to do once a case is over. Appendices