NCJ Number
208284
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 512-538
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2004
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This article presents an analysis of the disciplinary measures taken by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission against police officers found guilty of sexual harassment.
Abstract
With the increasing number of sexual harassment complaints filed by female officers against their male counterparts, the occurrence of sexual harassment in policing has become a national problem. The question raised is whether harassing officers are being held accountable and disciplined for their behavior. This article provides an analysis of the disciplinary measures taken by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission against law enforcement officers found guilty of sexual harassment. Data were collected using content analysis of the Commission’s officer discipline records and supporting documents. Thirty-three cases met the criteria for inclusion in the article. Of the 33 cases, 39 percent were excluded from consideration prior to being reviewed due to “no cause.” Of the remainder, corrective discipline was imposed in 24 percent of the cases. Corrective discipline consisted primarily of letters of acknowledgement. In 36 percent of the cases punitive discipline consisted most often of probation, remedial training, and suspension. On occasion, the Commission ordered counseling as a disciplinary measure. The article concludes with policy implications, recommendations, and study limitations. References