NCJ Number
210614
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 74 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2005 Pages: 14-17
Date Published
July 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the characteristics of an early warning system that can assist law enforcement agencies in the early detection of problem officers.
Abstract
Early warning systems consist of databases that contain personnel information related to the identification of problem behavior that requires intervention to correct misconduct and prevent more serious misconduct. Generally nonpunitive, the systems are used in peer reviews, additional training, and counseling. They can provide supervisors and managers with information related to potential patterns of at-risk conduct. Most systems require intervention after recording a certain number of complaints of a particular type within a specified time frame. Early warning systems should consider the totality of an officer's work histories, including accidents, pursuits, transfers, training, grievances, education, drug use, civil suits, truthfulness, property damage, discourtesy, false arrest claims, and insubordination. They should track all complaints, sick time used, resisting-arrest incidents, assaults on officers, obstruction-of-officer arrests, and disorderly-conduct arrests made by officers. These last four behavioral indicators have proven to be significant variables related to potential problem employees. 23 notes