NCJ Number
170674
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 67 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1998) Pages: 11-16
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Internal affairs investigations, also known as personnel complaint investigations, represent a significant part of any police supervisor's job; whether they work for small police departments and occasionally investigate minor complaints or conduct internal affairs investigations full-time for large police departments, police supervisors have important obligations.
Abstract
The police supervisor's basic job is to determine the facts, viewing each case just as they would any other investigation, even though the crime may be a violation of police department rules and the suspect is an employee. Some police supervisors become confused or sidetracked when they investigate their own employees and are hesitant to confront employees. Yet, by understanding their roles and following certain guidelines, police supervisors can reduce their anxiety about conducting complaint investigations. Guidelines are offered to help police supervisors that encompass completing preliminary work; conducting interviews with witnesses, complainants, and subject officers; and writing the investigative report. The need to challenge police officer responses when facts state otherwise and the importance of a comprehensive, unbiased, and professionally written report are emphasized. 3 endnotes and 2 photographs