NCJ Number
153663
Journal
Law Enforcement Tomorrow Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (December 1994) Pages: 26-30
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A process called a Police/Community Network Program is proposed as an alternative to civilian review to provide control over the police of Salina, Calif..
Abstract
Currently, only 15 of the more than 630 California law enforcement agencies have some type of civilian review process. However, a nationwide telephone survey revealed that 80 percent of respondents believe that cases of alleged police misconduct should be reviewed by a committee composed of both civilians and law enforcement officers. The Salinas Police Department already has an open relationship with the community. The crucial stakeholders in a review process are police management, the city council, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Salinas Police Officer's Association. When a civilian process is needed, the police chief should recommend a program that involves community policing and a problemsolving process; community participation will be a critical element in the fact- finding and creative response techniques of the program. The crux of the proposal is to have three people nominated by each council member to serve as liaisons between the police department and the community. Police staff would select two nominees from each district and the mayor's selections to serve on fact-finding committees and to work with the police department in assessing community issues and developing action plans. Forums and approaches to communication will include city council meetings and study sessions, press releases, lobbying, police department team building, community forums, the use of volunteers, and an evaluation process. 6 references