NCJ Number
133112
Date Published
1992
Length
276 pages
Annotation
This text focuses on special topics in policing such as community policing, the use of deadly force, aberrant behavior, unions, the gender gap, equal opportunity, stress, terrorism, and corruption.
Abstract
Community policing embodies operational and managerial philosophies that directly benefit the law enforcement organization and the community. A key element of community policing is an emphasis on problem-solving. Salient issues in police use of deadly force involve who gets shot and why, the frequency of shooting incidents, the control of shootings, and rules that govern police officers in making the decision to shoot. Most researchers estimate that law enforcement personnel kill about 600 criminal suspects a year and shoot and wound another 1,200. Police officers work in a complex environment, are subject to constant scrutiny, and are the focus of many citizen complaints. Consequently, police departments need internal investigation mechanisms to handle complaints of aberrant behavior. Unions represent police efforts to improve unsatisfactory working conditions, lack of advancement opportunities, lack of grievance procedures, and low salaries. Police unions have evolved in many instances to the extent that they are able to challenge police management. Gender issues are significant in police work. Most women entering law enforcement have felt the impact of the male-dominated police culture, and the primary obstacle women must overcome concerns male officer attitudes. Discrimination based on both sex and race is a human relations problem of police departments. Discrimination includes such actions as refusal to employ, promote, or provide appropriate training to a specific group of people. Police occupational stress results from lack of public support, personal problems, constant changing of shifts, inadequate or nonsupportive management, and the potential for being injured or killed on the job. Law enforcement has a critical role in the prevention of domestic and international terrorism and in the prevention of police corruption within the ranks. Specific examples of police departments that have had to deal with the preceding issues are provided. 271 references, 17 tables, and 37 figures