NCJ Number
249016
Date Published
February 2001
Length
276 pages
Annotation
This is the executive summary of the report of the Prince George's County Community Task Force (Maryland), which was mandated by the County Executive to study and make recommendations on how to improve police-community relations in the wake of use-of force incidents by police that have increased tensions in police-community relations.
Abstract
Based on its findings, the Task Force concludes that although the Prince George's County Police Department has made significant progress in improving the quality of police services and holding officers accountable for their misconduct, further work is needed in the following areas: the citizen complaint process, the excessive use of force, the identification and discipline of officers who do not comply with departmental standards, and the selection and training of both front-line officers and their supervisors. The 57 recommendations for improving policing policies and procedures address each of these areas, with a view toward improving the process and outcomes of police interactions with residents. In addition, procedures are proposed for improving the means whereby residents can hold the police accountable when they believe departmental standards have been violated in an interaction with police. In addition to presenting Task Force findings and recommendations, this report suggests a seven-step procedure for implementing the recommendations. The Task Force's research methodology included a review of police data, policies, and procedures; interviews with departmental personnel and government leaders; and citizen focus groups and public forums. Appended supplementary details on Task Force methodology