NCJ Number
31121
Date Published
Unknown
Length
24 pages
Annotation
IN THIS ESSAY, THE AUTHOR OUTLINES THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRESENT OPERATIONS OF THE POLICE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE IN GREAT BRITAIN, REVIEWS THE MAJOR CRITICISMS OF THIS PROCEDURE, AND OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR REFORM.
Abstract
THE PRESENT COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE IN BRITAIN WAS CREATED BY THE POLICE ACT OF 1964. IT IS NOTED THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR ARE HANDLED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS; HOWEVER, CITIZENS MAY ALSO INITIATE CIVIL TORTS ACTIONS AGAINST POLICE. IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL LEGAL PROCESS, THERE EXISTS AN INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE FOR PUNISHING POLICEMEN. THE AUTHOR REVIEWS SOME STATISTICS ON CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS IN ENGLAND, AND DISCUSSES CRITICISMS OF THE COMPLAINT PROCEDURE. IT IS NOTED THAT MANY FEEL THAT POLICE ENQUIRY REPORTS SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC, AND THAT MANY PERSONS HAVE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTIES IN TRYING TO REGISTER COMPLAINTS. THE AUTHOR STATES THAT ANOTHER COMPLAINT OFTEN HEARD IS THAT POLICE ARE THE 'JUDGE OF THEIR OWN CAUSE' SINCE THE CHIEF CONSTABLE HAS THE POWER TO DECIDE THE GUILT OR INNOCENCE OF HIS MEN. SUGGESTIONS FOR ALLEVIATING THESE CONDITIONS ARE OFFERED.