NCJ Number
166939
Date Published
1995
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This essay first explains why the current approach to police misbehavior is wrong, explores what needs to be done instead, and presents several principles for achieving more accountable policing.
Abstract
The current system of attempting to identify and discipline or terminate "bad" officers is ineffective, primarily because it is reactive and operates on the flawed assumption that prevention will come through deterrence. The failure to change the way police organizations are run is the problem; making police leaders accountable for management is the solution. There are six principles that can help achieve this goal. First, there must be full-time, nonpolitical, civilian oversight of the police. Second, the primary purpose of independent oversight is to evaluate the performance of the leaders of police organizations with respect to the prevention of misconduct. Third, decisions about police discipline must remain the exclusive prerogative of the police chief. Fourth, police chiefs and their senior staffs should not have tenure. Fifth, Civilian review agencies should not have the power to hire or fire the chiefs or their senior staff. Sixth, civilian review must be expert. In following the aforementioned principles, polices agencies can be made accountable.