NCJ Number
166742
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1996) Pages: 30,32,34
Editor(s)
C E Higginbotham
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The New York City Police Department's "integrity strategy" focuses on a policy of inclusion in internal investigations, a revitalized Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB), increased integrity testing, force investigations, supervision, recruitment, discipline, and accountability.
Abstract
Whereas in the past secrecy has surrounded all internal affairs matters, the new strategy makes command staff and its precinct commanders integral parts and key allies of its integrity assurance system. A revitalized IAB is focusing its resources on building cases against corrupt officers and on exonerating those who have been wrongly accused or targeted. In addition to integrity tests aimed at specific officers under suspicion, the department has instituted a program of random tests to identify corrupt officers and establish the first statistical, scientific measure of the extent of corruption within the NYPD. Also, IAB now immediately investigates use-of- force allegations that could implicate officers in criminal conduct. Further, training in the practical, field-tested tools needed to maintain effective control of police officers on patrol is a key component of the integrity strategy. In the area of recruitment, the entry age for recruits has been raised from 20 to 22. Recruits will also be required to have 60 college credits or 2 years military service. The department's disciplinary system is being retooled and simplified to expedite the internal disciplinary process. Finally, the NYPD will work closely with the Mayor's Commission to Combat Police Corruption, providing data about and access to every aspect of the department's integrity assurance system.