NCJ Number
144705
Date Published
1993
Length
90 pages
Annotation
The issue of police misconduct is being revisited in both public and political arenas, especially since the Rodney King beating in Los Angeles, and this futures study looks at issues, trends, and events that may affect the regulation and discipline of California police officer conduct in the year 2002.
Abstract
The study examines several issues relevant to police conduct, including external control, penalties, and professionalism. Five trends are identified as having an important impact on police discipline: public demand for increased control of law enforcement conduct, variations in discipline types among law enforcement agencies, politicization of investigations and discipline processes conducted outside law enforcement agencies, internal confidence with law enforcement administration and supervisors, and use of criminal sanctions to fine and prosecute. Police discipline is examined with respect to five events: public revolt, elimination of California's Peace Officer Bill of Rights, legislation mandating civilian review boards, legislation mandating the limited use of force, and legislation mandating a police licensing board. The author concludes that officer misconduct must be a priority for police administrators. Strategic and transition management plans are presented that focus on the regulation of on-duty police officers' conduct. Appendixes contain additional information on the futures study. References, endnotes, tables, and figures