NCJ Number
203286
Journal
Canadian Police Chief Magazine Dated: October 2003 Pages: 16-18
Date Published
October 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the importance of risk management in the policing industry.
Abstract
Risk management is an important tool for police departments because many of the difficulties that may be encountered in the workplace are preventable. The article lists seven goals of risk management that include improving service delivery, avoiding financial costs arising from disputes, and avoiding negative effects on the organization that may arise from a dispute. In order to meet the seven goals of risk management, the article outlines three steps: assess trends, assess risk arising from trends, and reduce the risk. The remainder of the article outlines how these three steps may be accomplished. Assessing trends involves an examination of recent court law and administrative tribunals regarding police activity. Trend assessment also involves an analysis of what courts and tribunals are likely to do in the next few years regarding the regulation of police activities. Assessing the risk arising from trends involves an analysis of how trends have increased police agency legal risk. The reduction of risk involves the development and implementation of mechanisms designed to manage risk. The article provides an example of how to apply the risk management analysis by taking the reader through each of the three steps. Recent cases in civil law are briefly reviewed followed by projection of where case law concerning civil liability may go in the future. The steps that should be taken by police agencies to reduce risk are outlined and include refining procedures governing recruitment, thorough training in the law, and gaining specialized legal advice when necessary. The author cautions that as the law becomes more diligent about examining police activities, police agencies need to become more diligent about limiting their risk liability.