NCJ Number
10731
Date Published
1967
Length
316 pages
Annotation
FIELD OBSERVATIONS BY LAWYERS AND SOCIAL SCIENTISTS OF POLICE PRACTICES AND POLICIES IN THE DETECTION OF CRIME IN METROPOLITAN AREAS IN 1967.
Abstract
THE STUDY PLACES EMPHASIS ON THE METHODS USED TO COMBAT VICTIMLESS CRIMES, NOTABLY PROSTITUTION, GAMBLING, NARCOTICS, AND HOMOSEXUAL OFFENSES, FOR IT IS IN THIS AREA THAT POLICE PRACTICES AND INDIVIDUAL LIBERTIES COME INTO CONFLICT MOST FREQUENTLY. IN THESE CASES THERE IS USUALLY NO COMPLAINANT WILLING TO TESTIFY SO THAT THE POLICE MUST EITHER EMPLOY TACTICS WHICH, IF THEY DO NOT CONSTITUTE APPROACH, INVASION OF PRIVACY, ILLEGAL SEARCH, AND OTHER VIOLATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS. SOMETIMES THE POLICE BYPASS THE JUDICIAL PROCESS AND RESORT TO HARRASSMENT - OVERNIGHT DETENTION AND RELEASE WITHOUT CHARGING, FOR EXAMPLE - IN THEIR EFFORT TO SUPPRESS VICE. OBSERVATIONS REVEAL THAT INHIBITIONS TO EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT INCLUDE JUDICIALLY IMPOSED RESTRAINTS, INADEQUATE RESOURCES, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS. THIS VOLUME DETAILS THE PROBLEMS AND CONFLICTS RAISED BY POLICE DETECTION METHODS AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLUTIONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)