NCJ Number
142913
Date Published
1993
Length
102 pages
Annotation
A futures study examined the impact on police discipline of public reports and increased public awareness of California police agencies' responses to police misconduct.
Abstract
The analysis identified trends and likely events and produced several policy alternatives, suggested alternatives to existing discipline processes, and a transition management plan. The trends included public access and limitations on department policy, union militancy and involvement in the discipline process, scrutiny by the courts, legislative activity, and changing public expectations. Likely events include a major incident of police misconduct, a judicial decision affecting discipline, collective bargaining with arbitration, a new law regarding police discipline, and the implementation of a citizen oversight process. The suggested alternatives include the opening of the discipline process, the creation of citizen committees, and supporting changes to legislation. These policy alternatives are intended to reduce basic distrust of police organizations arising from the impact of outside forces such as the courts, the public, and employee organizations. Figures, tables, appended methodological information, and 32 references