NCJ Number
93588
Date Published
1984
Length
164 pages
Annotation
This book explores reasons why organizations dedicated to reform of police institutions succumb to pressure to work within the institutions' parameters.
Abstract
The study focused on the history and evolution of a Canadian reform group, Citizens' Independent review of Police Activities (CIRPA), that initially appeared to have an outsider orientation. CIRPA wanted to conduct independent reviews of complaints against the police. One of CIRPA's strategies was to bring detailed allegations to the Police Commission and to express discontent with the regular official channels for processing complaints. CIRPA's original objective of achieving independent review gave way to support of the official system in various ways. Similarly, CIRPA's goal of democratizing the Police Commission fell aside as the group actually began working with the Commission. When CIRPA could not reach its original goals, less oppositional goals supplanted these original ones. This change relates to the organization's search for legitimacy. The Police Commission both explicitly and implicitly outlined a role for CIRPA. The organization's acceptance of this role affected its development in other aeas. The nature of the alliance that exists between authorities and outsider organizations is that the latter only gain credence insofar as they can be brought inside to serve the interests of the dominant order. A total of 75 references are included. Appendixes include a copy of a police pamphlet, CIRPA information, a report on change in the Toronto Police Department, an organizational chart, and proposed resolutions for change.