NCJ Number
52854
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (DECEMBER 1978) Pages: 394-401
Date Published
1978
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE MANY AREAS OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE CHIEF OF POLICE AND THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF A JURISDICTION ARE EXAMINED. REASONS WHY THE POLICE CANNOT IGNORE POLITICS ARE GIVEN, AND THE NEED FOR GUIDELINES IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
THE HAPHAZARD GROWTH OF AMERICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS BLAMED FOR A BLURRING OF POLICE JURISDICTIONAL LINES, A LACK OF FOCUS FOR CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS, AND CONTINUING CONFLICT OVER THE DUTIES OF VARIOUS BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FUNCTIONS. POLICE OFTEN SAY THAT THEY WISH TO BE FREE FROM POLITICS, BUT THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE. DECISIONS TO USE DOGS AND LETHAL WEAPONS ARE POLITICAL AS WELL AS POLICE MATTERS. COMMUNITY RELATIONS IS DEFINITELY A POLITICAL MATTER. THE CONFUSION OVER DUTIES HAS BEEN COMPOUNDED AS THE POLICE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TAKE OVER MORE CRISIS INTERVENTION AND OTHER NONLAW ENFORCEMENT DUTIES. IN MANY JURISDICTIONS THERE IS CONFUSION CONCERNING THE EXACT CHAIN OF COMMAND, AND WHETHER THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS A FUNCTION OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: DEFINE CLEARLY THE ROLE OF THE POLICE, DETERMINE THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND THE POLICE CHIEF, AND SPECIFY LIMITS OF DISCRETION. THE SAME DELINEATION OF AUTHORITY IS NEEDED FOR PROSECUTORS. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THE NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES ASSIST WITH THESE TASKS. FOOTNOTES CONTAIN REFERENCES. (GLR)