NCJ Number
191793
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 80-86
Date Published
August 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article suggests how police agencies can detect and provide early intervention to correct officer misconduct.
Abstract
Most Early Warning Systems (EWS) use a method that causes intervention action to be taken when an officer receives a specific number of complaints that exceed a given threshold over a specified time period. An employee who reaches thresholds set by the department may be constructively counseled by his or her supervisor, lieutenant, and captain. The counseling session could involve a discussion about the nature of the complaints in an effort to identify behavior patterns. Appropriate remedies for modifying problem behavior will be suggested. At a minimum the officer is placed on notice regarding the type of conduct that is inappropriate, the behavior that is expected, and the potential for negative discipline should the problem behavior continue. In addition to using citizen complaints as warning signs of officer misconduct, police supervisors must also be sensitive to warning signs, particularly regarding the inappropriate use of force. Examples of "marker" behavior include the development of squad concerns that a particular officer may endanger other officers; the tagging of an officer with a nickname that signifies forceful arrests; injuries on an officer's prisoners; and an increase in insubordinate behavior. Many psychologists who have studied police use of excessive force recommend monitoring as the best method of identifying officers who are prone to excessive force. Based on the research data available, signs of risk for police misconduct include poor performance, hostility and anger, unnecessary risk-taking, increases in the use of force, and insubordinate conduct. EWS must be developed and used to their utmost in order to identify those employees who have the potential for future misconduct. Quality intervention steps must be taken to modify and eliminate problem behavior in officers.