NCJ Number
220956
Journal
Criminology & Criminal Justice: An International Journal Volume: 7 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2007 Pages: 443-468
Date Published
November 2007
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This paper analyzes the impact of the 1997 Royal Commission’s report into the New South Wales Police Service, from service to force.
Abstract
This analysis suggests that there have been both changes, as well as stasis in the New South Wales Police organization and rank-in-file culture. The Royal Commission changed the authoritative account in finding that corruption was systemic and that the organization was unreconstructed and dysfunctional. This then lead to major changes in the police organization. The police organization lost operational independence from the government which was seen as a significant development by all key informants. Most of the informants feel that the NSW Police has changed substantially in the last decade. Most of the Royal Commission’s specific recommendations have been implemented; however, the deeper structural and cultural change recommended has not happened. The New South Wales Police is the oldest and largest police department in Australia. This article focuses on a second wave of reform associated with the Wood Royal Commission of 1994-1997. Officers would be called to give evidence. The Commission was able to collect and present evidence about a wide range of alleged corruption and other misconduct. Major reforms were introduced in the wake of the Commission, including the appointment of a new police commissioner, organizational restructuring, a complete revamp of recruit education, as well as increased monitoring and accountability. The magnitude and scope of the Commission’s reform program was bold and ambitious by international standards. This article takes stock of the impact of the Commission 10 years after the publication of its final report. The article draws on interviews with key informants, official reports, and other documentary sources. Notes, references