NCJ Number
67815
Date Published
1979
Length
7 pages
Annotation
POLICE ORGANIZATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE DESCRIBED AND COMPARED WITH THE POLICE ENTERPRISE IN THE UNITED STATES.
Abstract
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE POLICE SERVICE FUNCTIONS MORE AS A NATIONAL POLICE FORCE THAN IN THE U.S., WHILE MAINTAINING STRONG LOCAL TIES THROUGH A CHIEF OFFICER WHO COOPERATES WITH HIS LOCAL POLICE COMMITTEE. ALTHOUGH THE CHIEF OFFICER IS ADVISED TO COOPERATE WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES, HE HAS NEARLY ABSOLUTE AUTONOMY OF ACTION. HALF OF THE FUNDS FOR THE POLICE SERVICE COME FROM NATIONAL FUNDS AND HALF FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. HOME OFFICE INSPECTORS MONITOR EACH POLICE DEPARTMENT AND SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS. NATIONAL FUNDS ARE GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF SUCH REPORTS. CITIZEN COMPLAINTS AGAINST POLICE ARE HEARD THROUGH AN INDEPENDENT POLICE COMPLAINTS BOARD, WHICH HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DIRECT A CHIEF OFFICER TO BRING A CHARGE AGAINST ANOTHER OFFICER. ONLY ABOUT 10 PERCENT OF THE FORCE IS TRAINED TO USE FIREARMS; NO POLICE OFFICE CARRIES WEAPONS WITH HIM UNLESS HE IS ON SPECIAL DUTY THAT SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES FIREARMS. PROMOTION IS BASED ON COMPULSORY EXAMINATION AND INTERVIEW UP TO SERGEANT AND INSPECTOR. BEYOND THESE LEVELS, PROMOTION IS BY INTERVIEW ONLY. A TOTAL OF 40 PERCENT OF THOSE COMING INTO THE POLICE SERVICE COME FROM THE CADET SYSTEM, WHICH A PERSON CAN JOIN AT AGE 16. THE CADET IS A CIVILIAN AND STAYS IN THE CADET SERVICE UNTIL ABOUT THE AGE OF 18. THOSE ENTERING THE POLICE SERVICE ATTEND A REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER FOR 10 WEEKS, FOLLOWED BY ADDITIONAL TRAINING AT THE FORCE LEVEL. A NATIONAL POLICE COLLEGE PROVIDES A SERIES OF HIGH LEVEL MANAGEMENT COURSES FOR SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, ALTHOUGH FORMAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION IS NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE BRITISH ACADEMIC SYSTEM.