NCJ Number
161127
Date Published
1995
Length
49 pages
Annotation
In January 1994, the New York City Police Commissioner was directed to refocus the police department on reducing crime, disorder, and fear and on ensuring police department integrity.
Abstract
Believing that integrity in police activities depends first on integrity of purpose, the Police Commissioner moved to create a high performance culture focused on measurable outcomes and standards. New crime control strategies were developed for combating the problems of guns, youth violence, drugs, domestic violence, disorder in public places, and auto theft. The police department changed its top management layer, abolished one level in the chain of command, empowered a new team of precinct commanders to customize tactics to local conditions, and established a system of crime control management meetings. As a result of these initiatives, New York City experienced a 12- percent decline in reported felony crime, including a 16-percent decline in robbery and a 20-percent decline in homicide. The Commission to Combat Police Corruption was created in February 1995 to empower, instruct, galvanize, and hold accountable police managers, supervisors, and personnel at all levels. Achieving this goal encompasses a policy of inclusion in which police commanders become trusted colleagues of the Internal Affairs Bureau, supervisors become effective front-line managers, and all police officers are allies in the drive against corruption and brutality. To support the policy of inclusion, the police department is promulgating a new principle of command accountability and is identifying and resolving obstacles to change in the police organizational culture. This culture is grounded in integrity and respect and requires an effective internal affairs function, re-engineering of key organizational systems (supervision, training, and discipline), and constructing systems of external accountability and partnership to cement a bond of trust between police officers and the public. The role of the Internal Affairs Bureau in encouraging police integrity is discussed, particularly in the context of the policy of inclusion, the collection of timely and accurate intelligence, and proactive police tactics and rapid deployment. It is envisioned that crime control strategies and the re-engineering process will continue to improve the New York City Police Department. An appendix provides additional information on legislative issues related to police integrity. References and figures