NCJ Number
166221
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 20 Issue: 1 & 2 Dated: (Spring/Fall 1996) Pages: 83-93
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the Informal Resolution process introduced by the Queensland, Australia, Police Service to promote efficient and expeditious handling of complaints against police.
Abstract
The Queensland process was not designed to determine fault, but to find out what happened and, where necessary, give advice and guidance to subject officers for minor breaches of discipline without risk of penalty, and to resolve the complaint in a manner satisfactory to the complainant. The four stages of the process are: (1) Authorized Member of the police learns from complainant what happened and the outcome expected; (2) Authorized Member learns subject member's version of the event; (3) Authorized Member returns to complainant with subject member's version and attempts to resolve the matter; and (4) If resolution is accomplished, the police inform both complainant and subject officer, thank the complainant for participating in the process, and file a report, with nothing adverse recorded in the subject officer's file. If the resolution process failed or the complaint is more serious than it first appeared, Authorized Member files a report recommending either no further action or the appointment of an investigating officer. Citizens who have had complaints resolved through this informal process and police officers who were subjects of the process appear to be satisfied with the results. Figures, notes, tables, references