NCJ Number
184246
Journal
Policing and Society Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 47-78
Date Published
2000
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This comparison of the Federal grand jury system of the United States to the Independent Complaints Directorate in South Africa and the national Human Rights Commission in India focuses on the strengths and weaknesses shared by government oversight structures designed to ensure an effective and accountable system of policing.
Abstract
The analysis also focuses on potential improvements and on whether lessons from one system are transferable to another. The external governmental mechanisms have four basic objectives: (1) enforcing laws that proscribe police misconduct, (2) promoting public confidence in the government, (3) deterring police misconduct, and (4) encouraging systemic reform. The analysis concludes that the Federal grand jury system in the United States exposes police officers to the prospect of criminal prosecution. However, virtually all police officers accept the system, because they know that it is a part of a process of checks and balances that embodies democratic policing, makes them better officers, and helps them gain the public’s respect. The systems in South Africa and India indicate that these countries recognize the need for outside supervision. Political dynamics in both countries have led to unfortunate and even dangerous limitations on their powers. Both these countries’ mechanisms have become adept at operating with one hand tied behind their back. It remains to be seen what they could accomplish with both hands free. Footnotes and 25 references