NCJ Number
223556
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2008 Pages: 238-250
Date Published
2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the use of early intervention to reduce complaints against police in the State of Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
The findings supported the contention that the use of systems to profile complaints or provide early intervention had a demonstrable utility in reducing complaints. One sample showed that interventions resulted in a 71-percent reduction in complaints from the expected level over a 2-year period. “Complaints profiling,” “early warning” or “early intervention” systems were said to be currently seen as vital mechanisms for reducing police misconduct and improving police-community relations. The paper reported on the introduction of an early intervention system for police in the State of Victoria, Australia. This system involved the use of profiling both locations and officers to assist in discerning problems associated with misconduct. Issues are identified which may be rectified by improved training, changing station level policies or processes, or other initiatives as appropriate. In addition, this study showed that the financial cost-benefit effects were very positive, with reduced complaints resulting in an estimated monetary savings of significant amounts from complaint processing over the 2 years studied. The research also describes the types of interventions used and a number of issues that arise from complaints profiling. Data were assessed by examining complaints before and after profiling was initiated, with the study period for individuals covering profiles conducted in the period from 1997 to 2004. Tables, references