NCJ Number
189268
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: Autumn 2000 Pages: 26-39
Date Published
2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study investigated police management of alcohol-related incidents in Australia.
Abstract
Data from entries in police activity logs and responses to a survey on this issue were analyzed. Results showed that police experienced varying degrees of difficulty when managing alcohol-related incidents. Police considered domestic incidents by far the hardest type of incident to handle and licensed nightclubs the most difficult location for managing alcohol-related incidents. Factors, such as the presence of an audience and the involvement of aggressive persons or particular minority groups, impacted strongly on the difficulty of the situation. There were significant differences between newer recruits and long-standing officers in their response to alcohol-related incidents. Newer recruits were more confident about managing nearly all situations except those involving persons with mental illness. Police were able to nominate prior areas of knowledge and situational skills that could be included in training to assist in handling alcohol-related incidents more effectively. These areas were knowledge of relevant health issues and services; knowledge of their legitimate powers and duty of care; and knowledge of how to minimize harm to themselves and others. Also identified were two important skills: counseling skills and control skills, both for maintaining self-control and for maintaining control of the situation. 7 tables and 21 references.