Predicting Officer Race in Internal and External Allegations of Misconduct

• NCJ Number: 175788
• Journal: International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 22 Issue: 1-2 Dated: Spring-Fall 1998 Pages: 249-258
• Author(s): K M Lersch
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Eight hundred and forty-three complaints filed with the internal affairs office of a large municipal police agency in the southeastern United States during 1995-97 were studied to explore possible racial differences in types of complaints, the disposition of complaints, and the ultimate disciplinary action.

Abstract

The research excluded the automobile accidents automatically referred to internal affairs as internal complaints. The analysis revealed that 79.4 percent of the remaining complaints were initiated by citizens. Minority police officers represented 18.4 percent of sworn agency personnel and 23.5 percent of the complaints in which the officer's race was recorded. Male officers represented 87.4 percent of the agency personnel and 93.2 percent of the complaints. Minority police officers were significantly more likely than others to be accused of demeanor-related allegations, poor performance, and improper conduct, while white officers were more likely to be associated with accusations concerning departmental regulations, avoiding duties, and unnecessary force. Sustained complaints were more likely to be associated with minority officers even when controlling for complaint type and citizen initiation classification. However, no significant differences existed in the disciplinary action given to the officers; 20.7 percent of the white officers and 15.4 percent of the minority officers received either a suspension or were terminated. Nevertheless, the racial disparities are of some concern. Further research should determine whether similar disparities exist in different regions in the country. Agencies should also recognize that racial differences in the reporting and investigation of misconduct allegations may discourage minority officers from continuing a career in law enforcement. 16 references (Author abstract modified)