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Date: November 22, 2024 Fri
Time: 12:15 pm
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Results for complaints against police
24 results foundAuthor: Stone, Christopher Title: An Assessment of the Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel Summary: In March 2007, Boston Mayor Thomas Merino created the Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel (CO-OP) by Executive Order. The CO-OP serves as an appeals body to review complaints against police officers found to be "not sustained," "unfounded," or "exonerated" by the Boston Police Department. As of September 2008, approximately one year after the CO-OP began operation, only 7 out of 116 complainants eligible to appeal had appealed the finding. This report examines who so few complainants submit appeals through the CO-OP, and makes several recommendations based on the survey findings. Details: Cambridge, MA: Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, Harvard Kennedy School, 2009. 27p., app. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 118723 Keywords: Complaints Against PoliceOmbudsmanPolice Misconduct |
Author: Victoria. Office of Police Integrity Title: Improving Victorian Policing Services Through Effective Complaint Handling Summary: This report examined Victoria Police's alternative dispute resolution system, known as the Management Intervention Model, utilised in up to 30 per cent of police complaints. The report details a number of recommendations to improve the complaints handling process. Details: Melbourne: Victorian Government Printer, 2008. 53p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 115365 Keywords: Complaints Against PoliceDispute SettlementPolice IntegrityPolice Misconduct |
Author: Inglis, Geoff Title: Confidence in the Police Complaints System: A Survye of the General Population in 2009. Summary: This annual survey measures trends in public confidence concerning the complaints system in the U.K. by surveying a representative sample of the general population. The survey asks about: contact with the police; willingness to complain; barriers against complaining; and ways in which members of the public may wish to complain awareness of the IPCC. Details: London: Independent Police Complaints Commission, 2010. 49p. Source: Internet Resource; IPCC Research and Statistics Series: Paper 17 Year: 2010 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 119396 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice MisconductPolicing (U.K.) |
Author: Kotwal, Navaz Title: GOA State Police Complaints Authority: Analysing Accountability in Action Summary: In April 2007, the government of Goa announced the setting up of a Police Complaints Authority at the state level. It has little resemblance to what the Supreme Court had directed in terms of its composition or mandate. The Court had envisioned an agency that would be independent of the police and the government with people on it selected carefully through a procedure that was open and transparent and not one that had government nominees. The present report gives a broad and holistic analysis of the functioning of the Goa Police Complaints Authority. The report ends with a set of recommendations for the government as well as the Authority that will help towards the strengthening of the Authority. Details: New Delhi: Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, 2010. 39p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2010 Country: India URL: Shelf Number: 119443 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice AccountabilityPolice Corruption (India)Police EthicsPolice Misconduct |
Author: Worden, Robert E. Title: Citizen Oversight of the Ashton Police: Perceptions of Police Clients and Complainants, 2003 Summary: Created by legislation that was signed into law in July of 2000, the Ashton Citizens’ Police Review Board (CPRB) became operational in May of 2001. The same legislation that created the CPRB also provided for a contractor “to conduct surveys of complainants concerning the level of their satisfaction with the process and to conduct surveys of the community to get feedback concerning the CPRB and the Police Department.” The Hindelang Criminal Justice Research Center assumed responsibility for these surveys, and this is the third report prepared and submitted in fulfillment of this mandate. The surveys were designed to measure conditions on which citizen oversight may have effects. These conditions include: • the perceived receptivity of the complaint review system to complaints; • the perceived efficacy of the complaint review system; • the rate at which perceived misconduct is reported to authorities; • police performance in interactions with citizens, and hence citizens’ assessments of police services; • the satisfaction of complainants with their experiences with the complaint review system; and • the fairness of complaint review, as it is judged by complainants. Hence this survey research routinely examines the perceptions and subjective experiences of three constituencies: police clients; complainants; and officers. “Clients” are those people who have direct contact with the police. Most complaints about the police arise from clients’ interactions with the police. Clients are therefore the community whose feedback about the police is most valuable for citizen oversight. Samples of clients are interviewed about their perceptions of complaint review, their contact with the police, and if they were dissatisfied with that contact, whether they took action to complain, and to whom. Complainants are interviewed about their goals in filing a complaint, their subjective experiences with the intake and investigation processes, their perceptions of the fairness with which the complaint was handled, and their satisfaction with the outcome of the complaint review. Because officers also have an important and legitimate stake in complaint review, officers against whom complaints have been filed are surveyed concerning their subjective experiences with the investigation process, their perceptions of the fairness with which the complaint was handled, and their satisfaction with the outcome of the complaint review. This report serves three analytical objectives. The first is to update the information on the conditions on which citizen oversight may have effects and, where it is possible, to examine changes in these conditions over time. A second objective is to provide information, based on client survey data, that is pertinent to the CPRB’s concern about “unprofessional behavior and discourteous conduct.” A third objective is to provide evidence on patterns of performance, more generally, in the interest of deepening our understanding of the problems that underlie complaints about the police. Details: Albany, NY: The John F. Finn Institute for Public Safety, Inc., 2008. 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 19, 2011 at: http://finninstitute.org/uploads/Citizen%20Oversight%20of%20the%20Ashton%20Police,%202003.pdf Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: http://finninstitute.org/uploads/Citizen%20Oversight%20of%20the%20Ashton%20Police,%202003.pdf Shelf Number: 119865 Keywords: Citizen OversightComplaints Against PolicePolice Misconduct |
Author: Independent Police Complaints Commission (U.K.) Title: Stockwell Two: An Investigation Into Complaints about the Metropolitan Police Service’s Handling of Public Statements Following the Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes on 22 July 2005 Summary: The following report deals with the second Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation into matters arising from the shooting of Mr Jean Charles de Menezes at Stockwell Underground Station in London on 22 July 2005. This investigation has been referred to as ‘Stockwell 2’ to distinguish it from the first IPCC investigation into the circumstances of the shooting itself. This second investigation followed allegations from the family of Mr de Menezes that the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair, and others had knowingly made public inaccurate information or failed to correct inaccurate information placed into the public arena. The report is written in a way intended to help the reader understand the sequence of events. The report highlights who knew what, and when, throughout the relevant period and within discrete areas of activity, at the scene of the shooting, at New Scotland Yard (NSY), the Home Office and other places within the Metropolitan Police area. Details: London: Independent Police Complaints Commission, 2007. 142p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 4, 2011 at: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2007/aug/ipcc-menezes-report.pdf Year: 2007 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2007/aug/ipcc-menezes-report.pdf Shelf Number: 121615 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice Misconduct (U.K.)Police Use of Force |
Author: Metropolitan Police Authority Title: MPA Stockwell Scrutiny Summary: The shooting dead of Jean Charles de Menezes was a tragedy that should never have happened, whatever the circumstances were at the time. And there is no doubt the circumstances were unprecedented. Suicide bombers had successfully attacked London on 7 July, there had been another attempt on 21 July, and police were urgently following up leads in their attempt to prevent further atrocities. The operation that led to the death of Mr de Menezes was one of many complex operations that had to be run simultaneously absorbing resources from across the country. The purpose of this report was not to re-examine the events leading up to this tragedy – the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is not empowered to do this – but to reassure ourselves, and Londoners, that the Metropolitan Police Service has responded appropriately to the recommendations made by the IPCC, so that the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting does not reoccur. Details: London: Metropolitan Police Authority, 2008. 86p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 4, 2011 at: http://www.justice4jean.org/Stockwell-Scrutiny-Report.pdf Year: 2008 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice4jean.org/Stockwell-Scrutiny-Report.pdf Shelf Number: 121616 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice MisconductPolice Use of Force (U.K.) |
Author: Stephens, Darrel W. Title: Police Discipline: A Case for Change Summary: This paper describes the challenges law enforcement agencies nationwide experience with current disciplinary procedures and offers alternate approaches that can improve internal morale and external relationships with the community. The author also highlights proactive approaches (such as education-based discipline, mediation, peer review, and early intervention) that some agencies are employing to manage and/or reform officer behavior. Details: Cambridge, MA: Harvard Kennedy School, Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management, 2011. 27p. Source: Internet Resource: New Perspectives in Policing: Accessed June 27, 2011 at: http://ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/234052.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United States URL: http://ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/234052.pdf Shelf Number: 121838 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice BehaviorPolice EthicsPolice MisconductPolice, Disciplinary Procedures (U.S.) |
Author: Webbe, Simone Title: Simple, Effective, Transparent, Strong: An Independent Review of the Queensland Police Complaints, Discipline and Misconduct System Summary: The Queensland police complaints, discipline and misconduct system is dysfunctional and unsustainable. Complainants and police are subjected to a complex, administratively burdensome, overly legalistic and adversarial process that is dishonoured by chronic delays, inconsistent and disproportionate outcomes. This is not news. Many reviews over decades before this one have found police discipline entrapped by a system malaise that produces the perfect paradox, which is that despite the priority concern of individual ethical police officers for a quick and fair response to complaints made against them personally, the organisation formed by majority of those same officers tends to overcook investigations, oblige protracted delays and unnecessary complexity, and operationalise injustice as it surrenders to the rules and expectations of a system that serves no one well. Genuine organisational attempts and commitment to address the problems such as the recent hopeful trials for Project Verity have only served to increase frustration by their failure to progress a solution. There is an intimidating gap between the current police complaints, discipline and misconduct system and the ideal model that is 'simple, effective, transparent and strong' that was recommended recently by the Crime and Misconduct Commission in its report, Setting the Standard. Subsequently, the Premier called for this Independent Review to consider the big picture for a better system anchored by a requirement to also deliver the operational detail - and promote public confidence. The objective of the devolution policy implemented under the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001 was to effect quicker remedial responses to complaints through police management taking responsibility. In the decade since, neither remedial nor timely objective has been achieved. Implementation was flawed in essential respects because although the legal responsibilities and rationale moved to a capacity building intent for police to manage police conduct, the legislative and procedural complaints system itself remained an outdated and ineffectual dominant orthodoxy of discipline and punishment. Public confidence was compromised by more 'police investigating police'. Public trust was undermined by long legalistic processes for possible retribution that excluded admissions, apologies, individual and organisational learnings. This Review concludes that the police complaints, discipline and misconduct system in Queensland needs to correct its fundamental structural inconsistency with the policy objective of remedial intent; manage risk according to circumstances; and incorporate solutions beyond discipline and punishment such as a more responsive consideration of the needs of the complainant and restorative justice principles. Details: Brisbane: Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet, 2011. 160p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 28, 2011 at: http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/publications/categories/reviews/assets/independent-review-of-qld-police-discipline-system.pdf Year: 2011 Country: Australia URL: http://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/publications/categories/reviews/assets/independent-review-of-qld-police-discipline-system.pdf Shelf Number: 122190 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice AccountabilityPolice DisciplinePolice EthicsPolice Misconduct (Australia) |
Author: Subramanian, K.S. Title: Are the Indian Police A Law Unto Themselves? Summary: ‘Are the India Police Law unto Themselves?’, looks into the functions of the police institutions from human right perspective. It reports that superiors “constantly converted” subordinate police officers into instruments of human rights violation and torture. The report also envisages clear separation of the investigation function from law and order, importance of gender training and the tackling of caste biases of cops. The NSW report is also critical of the Central and State governments for their lack of enthusiasm in implementing Supreme Court directives on human rights. The report also recommends improved working conditions, training and equipment; creating a work culture that rewards respect for human rights and professional conduct; a system to investigate complaints of police abuse; a law against torture; and repeal of laws that enable police to function with impunity. Details: New Delhi: National Social Watch Coalition, 2011. 82p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 31, 2011 at: http://socialwatchindia.net/publications/perspective-papers/social-watch-india-perspective-series-vol.-3/view Year: 2011 Country: India URL: http://socialwatchindia.net/publications/perspective-papers/social-watch-india-perspective-series-vol.-3/view Shelf Number: 122573 Keywords: Complaints Against PoliceHuman RightsPolice MisconductPolicing (India) |
Author: Skilling, Gordon Title: Unusually Persistent Complainants against the Police in Scotland Summary: Recognising the difficulties that unusually persistent complainants pose to the police bodies in Scotland, the PCCS commissioned the University of the West of Scotland to undertake a short scoping study to review the literature on the subject and make recommendations on how to develop an effective solution (Louden and Best, 2010). Following the scoping study, the PCCS invited the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) to tender to undertake an improvement project to explore what models and techniques could be introduced across Scotland to ensure the effective management of unusually persistent complainants against the police. Details: Edinburgh: School of Forensic Mental Health, 2012. 51p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 8, 2012 at: http://www.sipr.ac.uk/downloads/PCCS_querulous_complainers.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.sipr.ac.uk/downloads/PCCS_querulous_complainers.pdf Shelf Number: 125174 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice Misconduct (Scotland) |
Author: Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) Title: Report on Metropolitan Police Service Handling of Complaints Alleging Race Discrimination Summary: Race has been an extremely sensitive, and at times toxic, issue for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). The disorders that began in Brixton in 1981, and then spread to other parts of the UK, led to Lord Scarman’s report, which found that: “a major cause of the hostility of young black men towards the police was loss of confidence by significant sections of the Lambeth public in the police. The reasons included... distrust of the procedure for investigating complaints against the police; and unlawful and in particular racially prejudiced conduct by some police officers.” Steps were taken to respond to Lord Scarman’s many recommendations. Yet, twelve years later, the ineffectual response to the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence signalled a further lack of confidence in policing by the black community and led to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. It found that institutional racism had played a part in the failure and that: “there is a striking and inescapable need to demonstrate fairness, not just by Police Services, but across the criminal justice system as a whole, in order to generate trust and confidence within minority ethnic communities, who undoubtedly perceive themselves to be discriminated against by "the system"... The need to re-establish trust between minority ethnic communities and the police is paramount. Such distrust and loss of confidence is particularly evident in the widely held view that junior officers discriminate in practice at operational level, and that they support each other in such discrimination.” Both inquiries clearly led to changes in policing policy, practice and training, not just in the MPS but nationwide. In its 2009 report ‘The Macpherson Report - Ten Years On’, the Home Affairs Select Committee noted that all witnesses recognised that the police service had made progress towards tackling racial prejudice and discrimination since 1999, including significant improvements in training and handling of cases involving hate and race crimes across London. Nevertheless, the concerns and the lack of confidence of black and minority ethnic communities in policing – and the consequences of this – have been highlighted in more recent official reports since the Macpherson and Scarman inquiries. The report of the independent panel set up to examine and understand why the riots of August 2011 took place said that: “Black and minority ethnic happiness following contact with the police is significantly worse than it is for white people – 64% compared to 77%... the Metropolitan Police… were cited in particular as having issues around positive or ‘quality’ contact. In our view, by improving the quality of minor encounters, the Met can dramatically improve their relationships with communities.” The IPCC’s review of complaints against the MPS’s Territorial Support Group, published in December 2012, highlighted allegations of racial discrimination against young black men as a continuing area of concern. The IPCC itself, and its predecessor body, the Police Complaints Authority, owe their existence to the Macpherson and Scarman inquiries respectively, in order to introduce an element of independence and transparency into the handling of complaints against the police. Nevertheless, the most recent IPCC survey of public confidence in the complaints system (2011), showed a marked lack of confidence in the complaints system from ethnic minority respondents, 43% of whom feared that their complaint would not be taken seriously, and 40% of whom feared that they would suffer harassment if they complained. The comparative numbers for white respondents were 35% and 17%. It was therefore of great concern that during 2011-12 there was a spate of allegations of racist behaviour by officers or staff in the MPS. This included allegations of overt racism and racially aggravated assault in some high profile cases referred by the MPS to the IPCC, which the IPCC later passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal prosecution. These cases are particularly sensitive and have the capacity to seriously affect public confidence in policing among London’s diverse communities. Because of this, the IPCC launched a review of the MPS’s handling of complaints involving allegations of racism. Details: London: IPCC, 2013. 42p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 5, 2013 at: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2013/jul/uk-ippc-report-met-racism.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.statewatch.org/news/2013/jul/uk-ippc-report-met-racism.pdf Shelf Number: 129536 Keywords: Complaints Against PoliceDiscriminationPolice Misconduct (U.K.)Racism |
Author: Great Britain. Home Office Title: Improving police integrity: reforming the police complaints and disciplinary systems. Summary of consultation responses and next steps Summary: 1.1 The consultation document Improving Police Integrity: reforming the police complaints and disciplinary systems set out the Government's plans for reform of the police complaints and disciplinary systems, measures to strengthen protections for police whistleblowers, an extension to the remit of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), and changes to the role, powers and structure of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). The consultation presented 42 questions across four policy areas and invited comments from national, local and regional organisations, police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), Police and Crime Panels, frontline practitioners, staff associations, trade unions and other groups or interested individuals. Method 1.2 The consultation took place over an eight week period from 11 December 2014. 1.3 The consultation document was made available on the Home Office website, https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/improving-police-integrity-reforming-the-police-complaints-and-disciplinary-systems. A Welsh version was available on request, as were large print and audio versions. Responses to the consultation could also be completed anonymously online, submitted via email to policeintegrityconsultation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or posted to the Home Office. 1.4 To support the consultation process, three events were held to canvass opinions from policing partners and frontline practitioners. Key themes from these discussions were noted and have been reflected in the summary of responses. A list of the events is set out in the table on page 6. 1.5 The Government received a total of 170 responses to the consultation (97 were submitted by post or email, and 73 were responses to the online survey). Details: London: Home Office, 2015. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Cm 9031: Accessed March 16, 2015 at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/411970/improving_police_integrity_reforming_the_police_complaints_and_disciplinary_systems.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/411970/improving_police_integrity_reforming_the_police_complaints_and_disciplinary_systems.pdf Shelf Number: 134925 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice DisciplinePolice Ethics (U.K.)Police PerformancePolice-Citizen Interactions |
Author: Ellis, Tom Title: Body-Worn Video: Evaluation of the Introduction of Personal Issue Body Worn Video Cameras (Operation Hyperion) on the Isle of Wight: Final Report to Hampshire Constabulary Summary: This study evaluated the impact of issuing all police officers on the Isle of Wight with Body Worn Video (BWV) cameras on 1 July 2013. It is based mainly on a series of measures in the year prior to camera issue compared to the same measures in the year after issue. These measures included data on changes in: public opinion; occurrences and crime; criminal justice processes (domestic assault) and complaints against police. In addition, there was also survey of IoW officers' views on BWV cameras and observational fieldwork. Isle of Wight public opinion on police BWV cameras - The Isle of Wight (IoW) public's trust in police to record all appropriate incidents with cameras is very high - 58% were aware of cameras after personal issue which was significantly higher than 26% in the period immediately before - Only 11% of residents in the "before" period had seen a police officer using BWV cameras which significantly increased to 29% in the "after" period - There was an overwhelmingly positive (84-96%) public attitude toward police use of cameras in: - gathering evidence - identifying criminals - increasing convictions - improving training - improving disciplinary procedures - Before personal issue, IoW public was less convinced cameras would reduce: complaints against the police; assaults on police; and crime and ASB. All ratings significantly improved after the roll out of personal issue BWV cameras - There was a significant rise (to 82%) in IoW public belief that all uniformed officers should use cameras. Isle of Wight Police Officers' views on BWV camera use - Officers' views on BWV cameras, where comparable, largely coincided with those of IoW public - IoW officers had significantly lower confidence than the public in cameras reducing assaults on police, but significantly higher confidence in them reducing complaints against them - Frontline officers were significantly more positive than non-frontline (mainly investigative) officers in valuing the deployment of personal issue BWV cameras on the IoW - The vast majority of officers agreed that all PCSOs should wear BWVs when on duty. Details: Portsmouth, UK: University of Portsmouth, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, 2015. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 6, 2015 at: http://www.bwvsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Ellis-Evaluation-Worn-Cameras.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.bwvsg.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Ellis-Evaluation-Worn-Cameras.pdf Shelf Number: 135526 Keywords: AssaultsBody-Worn Cameras (U.K.)Complaints Against PoliceDisorderly ConductPolice TechnologyPublic OpinionSurveillanceVideo Cameras |
Author: Victorian Ombudsman Title: Investigation into allegations of improper conduct by officers of VicRoads Summary: This report sets out the investigation into a protected disclosure complaint referred by IBAC to the Ombudsman in October 2014. The discloser alleged that it is 'normal practice' for VicRoads Transport Safety Services staff caught speeding in VicRoads vehicles to avoid a fine by claiming unjustifiable exemptions. In effect, the allegation was that some VicRoads staff break the road rules with impunity. Victorian road rules are clear: road users may not exceed the speed limit, unless the special exemptions for drivers of police, emergency, enforcement and escort vehicles apply. The rationale for both the road rules and the exemptions is unarguably about public safety. The investigation found that the allegation was substantiated. We found that some VicRoads enforcement officers routinely exceeded the speed limit in VicRoads vehicles without displaying lights or sirens, as required by the road rules. There must be serious doubt about whether at least some of these speeding vehicles were engaged in enforcement activity at all. Not only did some staff routinely break the rules, the process for investigating infringements and approving exemptions was seriously deficient. Exemptions were approved on no or minimal evidence, and with no or minimal rationale. Senior staff responsible for approving exemptions were not even aware that lights or sirens were necessary. The result was that VicRoads enforcement officers bore no consequences despite committing offences for which any member of the public would get a ticket and points off their licence. One of VicRoads' key aims is the safety of the road system for all road users. Yet this investigation reveals internal failures which could jeopardise the safety of both VicRoads officers and the Victorian public. The investigation also exposed a culture within a key unit of VicRoads of ignoring the legislation they are responsible for enforcing. One VicRoads enforcement officer told us they "can't do their jobs" if they did not break the law. People with the power to enforce the law and impose penalties on others must be held to the highest possible standards when it comes to their own conduct. It is a worrying state of affairs when those charged with enforcing the rules not only flout them, but have no qualm in doing so. The investigation was limited to one area of VicRoads Transport Safety Services, examining 18 of the 40 infringements recorded against VicRoads vehicles over a two-year period. Given the problems identified in this region, the lack of internal controls to monitor exemptions and the confused data, I am recommending that VicRoads review all exemptions approved in the past three years and take appropriate action in relation to any staff who either incurred or approved an exemption inappropriately. VicRoads' Chief Executive Officer has told me he is committed to addressing the issues, both cultural and specific, highlighted in this report. Concerns about this area of VicRoads have been raised by the Ombudsman before, including in my predecessor's 2013 annual report. As a result, a new leadership team was put in place, and I am advised that robust action has been and will continue to be taken to ensure high standards of good conduct. VicRoads should be leading the way on road safety, and public servants should not forget that they lead by example. This potentially dangerous and unfair practice came to light as a result of a whistleblower coming forward. Reporting wrongdoing is the first step to rooting it out. Details: Melbourne: Victorian government printer, 2015. 29p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 8, 2015 at: https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/getattachment/5d31ce88-4c24-4398-ba42-e740f79fdcf1//publications/parliamentary-reports/investigation-into-allegations-of-improper-con-(3).aspx Year: 2015 Country: Australia URL: https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/getattachment/5d31ce88-4c24-4398-ba42-e740f79fdcf1//publications/parliamentary-reports/investigation-into-allegations-of-improper-con-(3).aspx Shelf Number: 135968 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice MisconductTraffic OffensesWhistleblowing |
Author: Grossmith, Lynne Title: Police, Camera, Evidence: London's cluster randomised controlled trial of Body Worn Video Summary: Overall the findings suggest there are potential benefits of Body Worn Video (BWV), although those related to criminal justice outcomes were not fully realised during the timescales of the trial and need the support of criminal justice partners to be achieved. - BWV can reduce the number of allegations against officers, particularly of oppressive behaviour. Complaints related to interactions with the public also reduced and, although it did not reach statistical significance, the trend in overall complaints was consistent with these findings. - There was no overall impact of BWV on the number or type of stop and searches conducted. In addition, there were no differences in officers - self-reported behaviour relating to how they conducted stops. - No effect was found on the proportion of arrests for violent crime. When an arrest had occurred, there was a slightly lower proportion of charges by officers in a BWV team. - There was no evidence that BWV changed the way police officers dealt with victims or suspects. - The Public Attitude Survey found, in general, London residents are supportive of BWV, with their opinions of the technology positively associated with their views of how 'procedurally just' the police are, and their confidence in the MPS. - Officers reported a range of innovative uses of BWV, including professional development; use of intelligence; and sharing information with partners and the public. Details: London: College of Policing Limited and the Mayor's Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC), 2015. 50p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 1, 2015 at: http://whatworks.college.police.uk/Research/Documents/Police_Camera_Evidence.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://whatworks.college.police.uk/Research/Documents/Police_Camera_Evidence.pdf Shelf Number: 137399 Keywords: Body-Worn Cameras (U.K.) Complaints Against Police Disorderly Conduct Police LegitimacyPolice Technology Public Opinion Surveillance Video Cameras |
Author: Katz, Walter W. Title: Body-Worn Cameras: Policy Recommendations and Review of LASD's Pilot Program Summary: Portable video recording technology has radically altered urban law enforcement in recent years. Unfortunately, cash-strapped police agencies have been slow to incorporate this technology fully and now face community pressure to do so rapidly. In the face of strong public concern over police use of force, the time has come to overcome technological, political, and budgetary hurdles and incorporate fixed video, car mounted video and body-worn cameras into all urban police departments. The use of these tools will enhance accountability, public confidence in police officers and public understanding of policing. This report provides information regarding the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's pilot program to test and evaluate body-worn camera systems and makes recommendations for the Department as it implements them. Regardless of policy decisions, video evidence is shaping law enforcement and police agencies must use it to full advantage to help provide the quality policing that the public deserves. In September 2014, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (hereinafter, LASD or the Department) initiated a volunteer pilot program to test body-worn camera systems (BWCS or body-camera) under patrol conditions at four stations across Los Angeles County. A body-worn camera is a small device that records video and sound. The camera is mounted on the officer's uniform and records deputy interactions with the public and can gather video evidence at crime scenes. The chief goals of the LASD's pilot program were "to accurately address allegations of misconduct and increase the public's trust." In addition, the LASD hoped that video and audio recordings would "prove beneficial in criminal proceedings, administrative investigations, service complaints and civil liability claims." The Department's pilot program ran from September 2014 through April 2015, tested four brands and five models of body-worn camera systems and deployed 96 cameras. In order to provide guidance for the volunteer deputies regarding when to employ the body cameras and on which subjects or events, the Department developed a set of guidelines covering camera activation and deactivation, expectations of privacy, operating procedures, when Department members are allowed to view recordings and retention of footage. Over the course of the program's eight-month run, the Department obtained detailed feedback from the participants, through both electronic questionnaires and focus groups that were held at each of the four stations and attended by OIG representatives. In addition to monitoring the pilot program, the OIG reviewed body-camera policies and reports from other jurisdictions as well as policy recommendations on the subject by nationally recognized law enforcement research organizations and leading advocacy organizations. The OIG then assimilated this information with trends that emerged from the LASD pilot program participants' feedback. Details: Los Angeles: Office of Inspector General, County of Los Angeles, 2015. 70p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 1, 2015 at: https://oig.lacounty.gov/Portals/OIG/Reports/Body-Worn%20Cameras_OIG%20Report.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: https://oig.lacounty.gov/Portals/OIG/Reports/Body-Worn%20Cameras_OIG%20Report.pdf Shelf Number: 137412 Keywords: Body-Worn Cameras Complaints Against Police Disorderly Conduct Police LegitimacyPolice Technology Public Opinion Surveillance Video Cameras |
Author: New York (City). Department of Investigation Title: Police Use of Force in New York City: Findings and Recommendations on NYPD's Policies and Practices Summary: Use of force is a defining issue in modern policing. Police officers, by the very nature of their duties, are entrusted, empowered, and at times obligated by local governments to use force against citizens when appropriate. In exchange for this grant of power, communities and their police departments require that the use of force be governed by a set of standards. These standards stem from the premise that the force used must be reasonable, an idea rooted in the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. Reasonable use of force and constitutional policing require equal treatment of all individuals, proper application of force, and accountability for the conduct of police officers. Following the death of Eric Garner in Staten Island in 2014 and others across the nation, there has been a public call for greater accountability when police officers use force that appears neither reasonable nor proportional. Police departments and police accountability agencies across the country have taken up the issue of use of force in an effort to improve policing and ensure that all officers are worthy of the tremendous power and trust afforded them by their communities. In January 2015, the New York City Department of Investigation's Office of the Inspector General for the New York City Police Department (OIG-NYPD) released its first report, Observations on Accountability and Transparency in Ten NYPD Chokehold Cases (Chokehold Report). In that report, OIG-NYPD found that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) disciplinary system was complex, multi-tiered, and often delivered inconsistent results in cases involving chokeholds. OIG-NYPD promised to further investigate NYPD's use of force by reviewing a larger sample of force investigations. This Report, which is a larger and more sophisticated inquiry into use of force, fulfills that promise. Many of the issues addressed in the Chokehold Report surface again in this larger data set. This Report examines five aspects of use of force within NYPD: (1) trends; (2) reporting; (3) de-escalation; (4) training; and (5) discipline. The Report begins by highlighting data and trends from excessive or unnecessary force cases substantiated by the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB). CCRB substantiated 207 allegations of force in 179 cases between 2010 and 2014, a notably modest number, given the size of NYPD, and a positive indication of the NYPD's restraint. OIG-NYPD's review involved only non-deadly force cases investigated by CCRB, as no lethal force was used in the 179 substantiated cases. As discussed below, this investigation demonstrates several issues of real concern. Because accountability begins with access to reliable data, this Report describes how NYPD does and does not track use-of-force data, and how the usefulness of that information can be improved by adopting a more precise use-of-force policy coupled with standardized force reporting. This Report next presents the findings of an independent analysis of force cases where some officers not only missed the opportunity to de-escalate the incident, but took measures which affirmatively escalated the encounter. Given these findings, the Report examines policies of other law enforcement agencies regarding de-escalation tactics and reviews what NYPD is currently doing to address excessive force and de-escalation through training. The Report then suggests ways in which training and policy can be improved with respect to de-escalation tactics and other related skills. Lastly, this Report analyzes and evaluates NYPD's disciplinary system, including a close review of cases where OIG-NYPD, through independent review, determined that the use of force was not reasonable by any standard and not justified by any exigent circumstances or the need to protect an officer's or the public's safety. Historically, NYPD has frequently failed to discipline officers who use force without justification. This Report thus offers recommendations to improve the disciplinary process so that officers who use excessive force are properly held accountable. Details: New York: NYC Department of Investigation, 2015. 89p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 28, 2016 at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oignypd/assets/downloads/pdf/oig_nypd_use_of_force_report_-_oct_1_2015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oignypd/assets/downloads/pdf/oig_nypd_use_of_force_report_-_oct_1_2015.pdf Shelf Number: 137708 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice AccountabilityPolice BrutalityPolice DiscretionPolice LegitimacyPolice MisconductPolice Policies and ProceduresPolice TrainingPolice Use of Force |
Author: New York City Department of Investigation Title: Observations on Accountability and Transparency in Ten NYPD Chokehold Cases Summary: Section 203-11 of the Patrol Guide, which governs "Use of Force," explicitly and unequivocally prohibits members of the New York City Police Department ("NYPD") from using "chokeholds" in their interactions with the public: Members of the New York City Police Department will NOT use chokeholds. A chokehold shall include, but is not limited to, any pressure to the throat or windpipe, which may prevent or hinder breathing or reduce intake of air. Patrol Guide 203-11 (emphasis in original). The death of a Staten Island man, Eric Garner, on July 17, 2014, after he was brought to the ground by an officer's arm around his neck in the course of an arrest, cast a spotlight on the use of chokeholds by NYPD officers and the enforcement of the chokehold prohibition under Section 203-11. Mr. Garner's death generated widespread public outcry, elevated chokeholds as a major concern within the rubric of the use of force, and prompted a flurry of videos purportedly showing NYPD officers using chokeholds in a variety of encounters with members of the public. The decision by a grand jury, on December 3, 2014, not to issue an indictment in the Garner case only increases the need for independent administrative review of these issues. In response to Mr. Garner's death, the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD ("OIG-NYPD") conducted a focused review of the ten most recent cases where the Civilian Complaint Review Board ("CCRB") determined that NYPD officers used "chokeholds." What OIG-NYPD found raises questions not only about the way in which NYPD has enforced the chokehold ban in recent years, but also, far more importantly, about the disciplinary process in general and interactions between NYPD and CCRB. While no definitive conclusions regarding the use of chokeholds can or should be drawn from the finite universe of cases reviewed here, OIG-NYPD's study sheds light on areas where further careful analysis and study are warranted: how discipline is determined and imposed in use-of-force cases, gaps in inter- and intra-agency communication during the investigation of use-of-force cases, and officer training regarding communication skills, de-escalation strategies, and the use of force. This focused review, in effect, presents a road map of key policing issues with regard to the use of force that OIG-NYPD intends to explore and probe more deeply in the coming months. Details: New York NYC Department of Investigation, Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD, 2015. 45p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 26, 2016 at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oignypd/assets/downloads/pdf/chokehold_report_1-2015.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United States URL: http://www.nyc.gov/html/oignypd/assets/downloads/pdf/chokehold_report_1-2015.pdf Shelf Number: 137709 Keywords: Complaints Against Police Police Accountability Police Brutality Police Discretion Police Legitimacy Police Misconduct Police Policies and Procedures Police TrainingPolice Use of Force |
Author: Mitchell, Nicholas E. Title: 2015 Annual Report Summary: The OIM is charged with monitoring the disciplinary systems in the Denver Police and Denver Sheriff Departments ("DPD" and "DSD," respectively), making policy recommendations to those departments, and conducting outreach to communities throughout Denver. The OIM is led by Independent Monitor Nicholas E. Mitchell, and advised by a seven member Citizen Oversight Board. The 2015 Annual Report includes information about complaints received, closed and monitored by the OIM in 2015. It also includes the OIM's assessment of several recent changes to DPD's policies, practices or training, including its policies on body worn cameras, shooting into moving vehicles, early intervention, and racial profiling. "The DPD made significant strides in 2015 by revising important policies to bring them in line with national best practices," said Independent Monitor Mitchell. The 2015 Annual Report also presents two subjects about which the OIM believes there are opportunities for improvement. Electronic databases, including the National Crime Information Center and the Colorado Crime Information Center ("NCIC/CCIC"), are important tools that DPD officers use every day solve crimes, apprehend fugitives, recover stolen property, and otherwise keep Denver's residents safe. By-and-large, DPD officers faithfully adhere to the requirement that the NCIC/CCIC databases must only be used for law enforcement purposes. Yet, when officers do misuse NCIC/CCIC for non law enforcement purposes, they are generally issued reprimands rather than stronger discipline. "These databases contain vast amounts of personal information about the American public, including community members in Denver," said Mr. Mitchell. "When they are misused, reprimands are not commensurate with the seriousness of that violation, and may not be strong enough to deter future abuse." The Annual Report recommends that the penalties for misuse of NCIC/CCIC should be strengthened within the disciplinary matrix that is maintained by the Executive Director of Safety. The Report also highlights the current gap in DPD policy and training on what kinds of force are permissible or effective to remove potential contraband from the mouth of an arrestee who is attempting to swallow it. The Report recommends that the DPD clarify its use of force policy, and specifically prohibit the use of strikes to remove potential contraband from the mouth of a person being placed under arrest. Details: Denver: Office of the Independent Monitor, 2016. 144p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 18, 2016 at: https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/374/documents/2015%20Annual%20Report%20Final.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/374/documents/2015%20Annual%20Report%20Final.pdf Shelf Number: 138333 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice AccountabilityPolice DisciplinePolice Policies and PracticesPolice TechnologyPolice Use of ForceSheriffs |
Author: Independent Police Complaints Commission (U.K.) Title: Deaths during or following police contact: Statistics for England and Wales 2014/15 Summary: This report presents figures on deaths during or following police contact that happened between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2015. It provides a definitive set of figures for England and Wales and an overview of the nature and circumstances in which these deaths occurred. This publication is the eleventh in a series of statistical reports on this subject published annually by the IPCC. To produce the IPCC annual statistics on deaths, the circumstances of all deaths referred to the IPCC are examined to decide whether they meet the criteria for inclusion in the report under one of the following five categories: - road traffic fatalities - fatal shootings - deaths in or following police custody - apparent suicides following police custody - other deaths following police contact that were subject Details: London: The Commission, 2015. 30p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 21, 2016 at: https://www.ipcc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research_stats/Deaths_Report_1415.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.ipcc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research_stats/Deaths_Report_1415.pdf Shelf Number: 138350 Keywords: Complaints Against PoliceDeadly ForcePolice CustodyPolice Use of ForceSuicides |
Author: De Angelis, Joseph Title: Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement: Assessing the Evidence Summary: Over the last several decades, issues of trust and accountability have moved to the forefront of community-police relations and a great deal of scholarship has been devoted to enhancing police performance through the strengthening of law enforcement oversight functions. During this same period, highly publicized officer-involved encounters have led to the proliferation of organizational mechanisms for reviewing and improving officer conduct (Walker 2001; Alpert et al. 2016). One such mechanism is the development of civilian oversight of law enforcement. Sometimes referred to as citizen oversight, civilian review, external review and citizen review boards (Walker 2001; Alpert et al. 2016), this form of police accountability is often focused on allowing non-police actors to provide input into the police department’s operations, often with a focus on the citizen complaint process. In some jurisdictions, this is sometimes accomplished by allowing oversight practitioners (both paid and volunteer) to review, audit or monitor complaint investigations that were conducted by police internal affairs investigators. In other jurisdictions, it is done by allowing civilians to conduct independent investigations of allegations of misconduct lodged against sworn law enforcement officers. It can also be accomplished through the creation of mechanisms that are authorized to review and comment on police policies, practices, training and systemic conduct. Some oversight mechanisms involve a combination of systemic analysis and complaint handling or review . The goal of this publication is to offer a broad examination of the key issues facing civilian oversight of law enforcement in the U.S. Drawing from a review of the available research, as well as organizational data collected from 97 police oversight executives, this report is designed to help local policy-makers, police executives and members of the local community explore the key issues that can accompany the implementation and sustainability of civilian oversight of police mechanisms at the municipal and county levels. More specifically, this report addresses a number of key areas in relation to police oversight, including: 1 . A comprehensive review of the key resources and research relating to civilian oversight of police; 2. A brief review of the historical evolution of oversight in the U.S.; 3 . A detailed examination of three different models of oversight: investigation-focused, review-focused and auditor/monitor-focused; 4. An assessment of the key factors that promote organizational effectiveness in civilian oversight; and, 5 . An exploration of trending issues in relation to oversight, particularly the debate over how to measure performance of police oversight agencies, the potential value of problem-solving methodologies and the increasing emphasis on the value of alternative dispute resolution techniques for resolving complaints against police officers. This report concludes by identifying issues that jurisdictions may want to consider if they are evaluating whether to implement oversight or revise their current oversight framework. This report also identifies critical areas in need of further research. Details: Washington, DC: Booz Allen Hamilton, 2016. 76p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 25, 2017 at: https://www.ojpdiagnosticcenter.org/sites/default/files/NACOLE_AccessingtheEvidence_Final.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United States URL: https://www.ojpdiagnosticcenter.org/sites/default/files/NACOLE_AccessingtheEvidence_Final.pdf Shelf Number: 147798 Keywords: Civilian Review BoardsComplaints Against PolicePolice AccountabilityPolice IntegrityPolice LegitimacyPolice-Community InteractionsPolice-Community Relations |
Author: Safer, Ron Title: Preventing and Disciplining Police Misconduct: An Independent Review and Recommendations Concerning Chicago's Police Disciplinary System Summary: A police department's disciplinary system must encourage good conduct by police officers. The process for investigating and resolving complaints alleging police misconduct should align with this objective. In recent years, there have been both external and internal concerns about how complaints of misconduct by members of Chicago Police Department (CPD) are investigated and disciplined. Allegations of a "code of silence" among Chicago police officers reveal the public's concern with the current disciplinary system. And there are concerns within CPD about the uncertainty that surrounds police discipline, including the length of time it takes to resolve misconduct complaints and a perceived lack of uniformity across punishments for similar violations. In particular, alleged incidences of misconduct by members of the CPD are investigated, and discipline is administered, pursuant to a complicated, time-consuming process. CPD's disciplinary system includes three separate City agencies - each created at a different time and for a different purpose - that are tasked with investigating and resolving alleged incidences of police misconduct: the CPD, including its Bureau of Internal Affairs (BIA); the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA); and the Police Board. As a result, responsibility for identifying misconduct and administering discipline can be fragmented. In addition, historically multiple opportunities to appeal and/or grieve disciplinary decisions from one body to another at multiple stages in the process lengthened the time between the complaint and resolution, creating uncertainty surrounding the administration of discipline. The City's collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with the unions of Department members limit the ways in which misconduct - studied the statutes, ordinances, collective bargaining agreements, and other legal requirements that define the current disciplinary system; -- analyzed data - including the number and types of misconduct complaints, and the amount of time it takes to resolve these complaints - provided by the three entities charged with investigating and resolving allegations of police misconduct: the CPD, including BIA, IPRA, and the Police Board; -- interviewed a wide cross section of people who participate in and/or are affected by the police disciplinary system, such as: current and former CPD members, including senior leadership, bureau chiefs, commanders, lieutenants, sergeants, and rank-and-file police officers; IPRA leadership, including its chief and deputy chief administrators; Police Board leadership; other public officials; and community representatives, ministers and other members of the faith community and representatives from organizations focused on police misconduct and accountability; -- analyzed best practices in other municipalities and jurisdictions; -- consulted subject matter experts, including Darrel Stephens of the Major Cities Chiefs Association and Merrick Bobb of the Police Assessment Resource Center; and -- undertook a thorough review of the relevant literature. Our recommendations fall into two categories. First, we propose changes to prevent misconduct from occurring in the first place, primarily by focusing on guidelines, education and training. We also suggest ways to make the consequences of misconduct more consistent, as well as to more effectively involve direct supervisors in the prevention and detection of misconduct. Second, we suggest improvements to the system for addressing the misconduct that does occur. We offer ways to make IPRA more accessible and transparent for complainants, as well as to accelerate the time from complaint to resolution; recommend adjusting the jurisdictions of BIA, IPRA, and the Police Board; and make suggestions for streamlining processes where possible. Details: Chicago: Police Accountability Task Force, 2014. 75p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 17, 2017 at: https://chicagopatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Preventing_Disciplining_Police_Misconduct_Dec_2014.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United States URL: https://chicagopatf.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Preventing_Disciplining_Police_Misconduct_Dec_2014.pdf Shelf Number: 146292 Keywords: Complaints Against PolicePolice DisciplinePolice IntegrityPolice Misconduct |
Author: Police Foundation Title: Opinions of Officers of the Chicago Police Department on the Upcoming Consent Decree: A Report to the State of Illinois Office of the Attorney General Summary: In August 2017, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago, based on a year-long civil rights investigation conducted by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), into the practices of the Chicago Police Department (CPD). The DOJ investigation and public report detailed the following key areas of reform necessary for CPD: Improve CPD's accountability system to identify police misconduct and hold officers accountable for their actions. Make community policing a core philosophy that is infused throughout the department's policing strategies and tactics by ensuring that supervision, training, promotions and accountability systems incentivize and support officers who engage in community policing. Improve officer supervision in the field by creating policies that hold supervisors accountable for guiding officer behavior and reporting misconduct. Improve the quality and quantity of officer training, particularly pre-service Academy training, the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, and in-service training. Improve officer assistance and support by creating an overarching operational plan that includes robust counseling programs, comprehensive training, functioning equipment, and other tools to ensure officers are successful and healthy-physically, mentally and emotionally-and overcome officers' concerns that using officer wellness services will negatively impact their career. Improve data management systems and quality of data used by the Independent Police Review Authority (IPRA) or Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) so misconduct investigations can be tracked and analyzed. Increase transparency by publicly reporting use of force and misconduct complaints and settlements of officer misconduct lawsuits. Update use of force policies and improve officer training, reporting, and accountability systems when force is used. Details: Washington, DC: Police Foundation, 2018. 67p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 27, 2018 at: http://chicagopoliceconsentdecree.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Opinions-of-Officers-of-the-Chicago-Police-Department-on-the-Upcoming-Consent-Decree-Final.pdf Year: 2018 Country: United States URL: http://chicagopoliceconsentdecree.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Opinions-of-Officers-of-the-Chicago-Police-Department-on-the-Upcoming-Consent-Decree-Final.pdf Shelf Number: 151267 Keywords: Community-Oriented Policing Complaints Against PolicePolice Accountability Police Misconduct Police Officer Education and Training Police Use of Force |