NCJ Number
72425
Date Published
1979
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Common reasons for calling in the police and theoretical and practical procedures used by French police in handling complaints are outlined.
Abstract
Property offenses constitute one of the areas most frequently requiring police intervention. About 89 percent of property offense victims report the offenses to the police, usually if the damages amount to more than 100 francs. Victims are especially likely to press charges if offenders are juveniles 16 or 17 years old involved in a series of crimes, if an official report is necessary for insurance compensation, and if the victim has some hope of obtaining restitution. The age, sex, and attitudes of the offender, as well of the nature of the victim's profession also influence reporting decisions. A second common area of intervention is family fights. Usually the wife calls in the police because she is being abused, requires assistance in halting a family dispute or is in need of counsel to help solve a family problem or to institute divorce proceedings. Police are also summoned to settle brawls, if the owner of the commercial establishment is unable to stop the fight. Complaints are usually filed only if a victim suffers severe injuries. Finally, police are called in to stop noisy disruptions of the peace, especially at night. In all cases police must collect evidence, serve as intermediaries to set legal machinery in motion, restore order, and provide counsel. Certain procedures are followed by police in each situation. If a victim wishes to file an official complaint, officers must write up a report, which is sent on to the public prosecutor. Complaints are not transmitted when police doubt the veracity of the person filing charges or when stolen articles are immediately retrieved. Police may try to dissuade a victim from filing charges if an offense is insignificant. Police encourage individuals reporting offenses to file charges in cases involving high damages, a notorious offender, risk of repetition, gang offenses, and shoplifters caught in the act. Charges are filed in only about 14 percent of the cases reported. A great deal depends on the attitude of the individual reporting the offense: if the victim refuses to file charges, no action will be taken even for serious property loss. Disturbances of the peace and family disputes rarely require official reports unless a complaint is filed. Reports are avoided in the case of family disputes to keep such matters on the civil level. Police giving advice about whether to maintain or withdraw a complaint should consider the usefulness of the procedure and the personality of the offender. One note and several tables are furnished.