NCJ Number
164485
Journal
Trooper (Fall 1996) Pages: 51-53
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Intended for attorneys, investigators, and police officers, this article explains some of the steps that may be followed in the investigation of a police employment dispute.
Abstract
The type of investigation that is the focus of this article occurs when a police officer has been involved in a critical incident that could lead to termination, suspension, or other adverse action by the employing agency. Suggestions for action preliminary to the investigation are to ensure that the officer under investigation is receiving proper physical and mental health treatment. Further, the officer should be advised to discipline himself to comply with all agency standards to the letter during any investigation or appeal process. A preliminary objective evaluation of the evidence against the officer should be quickly completed. The officer's counsel should submit a written request for the charges and evidence against the officer. Any officer under suspicion of misconduct should maintain contact with counsel. Guidelines for the investigation of any incident of alleged officer misconduct include attention to the following topics: accuracy/truthfulness, written report to counsel, corroboration, public relations, identification of charges, admissions/confessions, tape recording, documentation, use of experts, hearings, officer's rights, and timeliness. Suggestions are also offered regarding actions on behalf of an officer who has been sanctioned for misconduct; these are in the areas of unemployment compensation, civil service remedy, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, injunction, political advocacy, and the mitigation of damages.