NCJ Number
15558
Date Published
1974
Length
259 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR DIMINISHING FACTORS INFLUENCING POOR ENFORCEMENT INCLUDE DEVELOPMENT OF PRECISE ENFORCEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, STAFF TRAINING, LEGISLATIVE REVISIONS, AND EFFECTIVE COURT ACTION.
Abstract
DATA WAS OBTAINED FROM A SURVEY OF ELEVEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE NATION. DATA INCLUDED FACTUAL DESCRIPTIONS OF RECENT ALCOHOL INVESTIGATIONS, ATTITUDINAL MEASUREMENTS, AND INFORMATION FROM 267 POLICE PATROLMEN AND 85 POLICE SUPERVISORS. ADDITIONAL DATA WERE OBTAINED THROUGH INTERVIEWS OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS, JUDGES, AND OTHER CIVIL OFFICIALS. SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING ARREST RATES WERE FOUND TO BE OFFICER'S AGE AND EXPERIENCE, PERSONAL USE OF ALCOHOL, LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING, SPECIALIZATION IN DUTY ASSIGNMENT, AND PERCEPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ALCOHOL RELATED VIOLATIONS. OTHER FACTORS WERE THE OFFICER'S ATTITUDE TOWARD SUSPECTS, PERCEPTIONS OF THE PENALTIES, SUSPECT'S DEGREE OF INTOXICATION, WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUSPECT'S ATTITUDE, ACCIDENT INVOLVEMENT, COURT DISPOSITION OF ALCOHOL RELATED CASES, AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICY OF ENFORCEMENT AND PROCESSING PROCEDURES.