NCJ Number
190286
Date Published
March 2001
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This first of two volumes of the "QPS (Queensland Police Service) Reform Update" focuses on the broad area of integrity and standards of conduct generally in the QPS.
Abstract
The first part of the volume summarizes findings from complaints data held by the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) and the QPS Ethical Standards Command; surveys undertaken by the CJC, QPS, and Australian Bureau of Statistics; CJC investigations and inquiries; major incidents reported to the CJC by the QPS; and CJC ethics surveys of QPS first-year constables. The second part of the volume focuses on what the QPS has done and still needs to do to promote integrity from an organizational perspective. The study concluded that overall, standards of police behavior in Queensland had improved in the last decade; however, instances of drug-related corruption persisted in the QPS, although there was no evidence that such behavior is widespread or involves senior officers. Unauthorized release of information was a serious risk area for the QPS. Most members of the public who had contact with the police were satisfied with how they were treated; few had any direct experience or knowledge of serious misconduct by police. The most common complaints of misconduct made against the police related to the alleged use of excessive force. Youth were more likely than the rest of the population to have a poor opinion of the police. Many police were still reluctant to report their peers for misconduct, especially when the behavior is viewed by officers as minor. The QPS should give priority to implementing fully the recommendations of the CJC's October 1997 report on "Police and Drugs," particularly those that pertain to drug and alcohol testing and the management of drug evidence. Further, there should be more comprehensive training in tactical communication skills; and rostering practices should be revised to ensure that experienced police officers are being deployed to best effect. Also, the roles and skills of supervisors should be enhanced; all operational police should be provided with portable tape recorders; and the effectiveness of the "Urgent Duty Driving" policy should be monitored. 14 figures, 5 tables, and 16 references