NCJ Number
85207
Date Published
Unknown
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Police participation in electoral politics has advantages that outweigh potential abuses, which can be avoided by using adequate controls.
Abstract
Police participation in electoral politics has been prohibited in the past out of fear that it will endanger police legitimacy with the public, cast police in a biased posture, and introduce an intimidating aspect to politics because of the coercive power held by the police. Police participation in electoral politics, however, has the overall benefits of improving public policy, enhancing public understanding, and improving police ethics. The police have an expertise in public safety unmatched by any other group in society, so their input in electoral politics has special value in dispersing public safety benefits throughout the electorate. Further, political campaigns are the primary context for educating the public about important issues. Police involvement in such campaigns provides opportunity for debate on important issues of public safety. Police involvement in electoral politics will also change the character of leadership in police associations to make it less insular and more responsive to public opinion and perceptions. Police political participation also encourages police to reside in the city they police, as well as enhancing the development of the skills of communication, persuasion, and organization that are useful in their profession. Lastly, police political participation helps reduce police cynicism by putting them in touch with the power to effect changes and modify circumstances, so that they do not feel helpless in confronting the morbid side of life. Potential for police abuse of the electoral process can be controlled through newspaper diligence, an external police review board, and proper police professional training. Three footnotes are provided.