NCJ Number
225114
Date Published
October 2008
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This study examined various circumstances from cases of unauthorized disclosure of information by police in Australia.
Abstract
The most significant results from this study indicate that there is confusion, misunderstanding and lack of awareness regarding confidential information and its use and dissemination within and outside the New South Wales Police Force. The examination provided in this paper showed a number of patterns in these cases, which were described, to include details of the relationships between police officers and the persons to whom information was allegedly leaked; the source of the alleged leaked information; the benefits and consequences to police officers from allegedly leaking information; and the involved officer’s attitude regarding the alleged leak of information. The author notes that the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information by New South Wales (NSW) police officers is a form of misconduct that can have serious consequences for both the police officers involved and the community. Data sourced from complaints was used in this study to describe these patterns in the characteristics of unauthorized disclosures of confidential information by NSW police officers. Case studies are presented in the work, along with a discussion of implications for management, and a response from the NSW Police Force is presented. Data were derived from the examination of 104 complaints regarding leaks of information received from November 2006 through June 2007. Tables, figures, and references