Improper Associations in the NSW Police Force: A Review of Compliance with Policies and Guidelines

• NCJ Number: 230516
• Author(s): Julie People; Nadia Kirsch; Peter Barnett
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: NSW Police Integrity Cmssn
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Research and Issues Papers, No 05, May 2010

Annotation

This study examined the extent to which New South Wales (NSW) police officers are complying with the requirement to make declarations regarding their improper associations.

Abstract

Employees of the NSW Police Force are expected to perform their duties fairly, impartially and without personal gain. A conflict of interest can occur if an employee's private interests have the potential to influence the performance of their professional duties. Improper associations are a type of conflict of interest for NSW Police Force employees. The NSW Police Force's Conflicts of Interest (Improper Associations) Policy and Guidelines includes a requirement that police officers make declarations regarding their improper associations. However, results showed that while some written declarations of improper associations are made by NSW police officers, a very small proportion of the improper associations that become known through complaints or intelligence holdings are declared via a written declaration. There is a poor level of compliance with the requirements of the NSW Police Force's Conflicts of Interest (Improper Associations) Policy and Guidelines regarding the making of declarations of improper associations. Recommendations for improving compliance with the policy are outlined. Table and figure