NCJ Number
131922
Date Published
1991
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Police brutality is fundamentally a local problem, and police chiefs and administrators bear primary responsibility for developing and implementing appropriate procedures and standards of performance and accountability to prevent such abuse.
Abstract
The videotaped beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police officers in March 1991 was not a singular, isolated event. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) routinely investigates complaints and represents citizens who believe they are the victims of police brutality, harassment, and discrimination. On the average, ACLU affiliate offices around the country receive two to three complaints of police misconduct each week. Police abuse does not have a single cause or a single cure. A common strain, however, is the need for greater openness on issues of local police misconduct. Police abuse is caused in part by unrealistic and inappropriate expectations of what police officers can and cannot accomplish. In addition, the actions of police officers can be heavily influenced by their department's leadership. Policy standards reinforced by training programs are often viewed as the most important weapons against police abuse. Accountability systems need to be instituted that have independent civilian oversight. The Federal Government should also contribute significantly to preventing police abuse. The Justice Department can prosecute egregious cases where individual officers have violated the rights of citizens and can file "pattern and practice" lawsuits to enjoin police abuse where it is systematic. Both Federal and State lawmakers should devise social, economic, and education programs that address the root causes of such problems in cities. Case examples of police brutality are provided.