Policing in the Limelight: Citizens, Constables and Controversy (From Police: Powers, Procedures and Proprieties, P 3-42, 1986, John Benyon and Colin Bourn, eds. -- See NCJ-158031)

• NCJ Number: 158032
• Author(s): J Benyon
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 40 pages
• Sale Source: Pergamon Press Limited
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

England's Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984 and the Prosecution of Offences Act of 1985 are analyzed in relation to police powers, procedures, and proprieties and the role of the two acts in enhancing police effectiveness and crime control.

Abstract

During the last two decades, the image of policing has adversely changed as police officers have become more remote from many people. Various factors related to police centralization, professionalization, specialization, methods, equipment, conduct, fairness, and politicization have affected the image and remoteness of policing. Despite the changing police image, however, certain groups still hold police officers in high regard, and some police departments have attempted to obtain public support by encouraging police effectiveness in crime control, improving the extent to which citizens identify with the police, and facilitating police-community cooperation. Efforts have also been made to improve police accountability, legitimacy, policing methods, professionalization and specialization, police officer conduct, and public perceptions of police fairness. The effectiveness of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and the Prosecution of Offences Act in defining police roles and responsibilities and in improving police accountability and effectiveness is assessed. 106 notes and 2 figures