NCJ Number
82978
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1982) Pages: 58-61
Date Published
1982
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This paper explains why police feel threatened by citizen complaints and outside criticism, discusses the ineffectiveness of civilian review boards, and then offers guidelines for police chiefs in imposing internal discipline.
Abstract
Police tend to deny and defend their actions when confronted with public criticism, thus initiating a syndrome of growing mutual suspicion and hostility which benefits no one. Police officers react in this manner because they perform high risk jobs and depend heavily on the assistance and empathy of other officers. Since the public is often hostile and unsupportive, the police naturally turn to fellow officers for support of their ego needs. Experience with the public and the legal system also makes police officers very cynical and concerned that they will be exploited by high officials, politicians, or the press. Civilian review boards have further alienated the police because discipline cannot be imposed from the outside. The representative and proponent of internal discipline is the agency head. Suggestions for police chiefs address relations with the press, the liberal establishment, and the police union. They also recommend that the agency head be sincerely responsible to public opinion and sensibilities by investigating complaints fairly and rewarding officers for public service efforts. The executive should provide counseling and rehabilitation services for officers suffering job stress. In conclusion, the agency must get support from both the rank and file and the public, but this in turn generates support from policymakers and administrators.