NCJ Number
128510
Date Published
1989
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The culture of the Queensland Police Force (Australia) undermines effective policing, and it resists reform by isolating itself from community values and public attitudes.
Abstract
The Queensland Police Force is characterized by misconduct, inefficiency, incompetence, and deficient leadership. The situation is compounded by poor organization and administration, inadequate resources, and poorly developed techniques and skills for law enforcement in a modern, complex society. Lack of discipline, cynicism, disinterest, frustration, anger, and low esteem characterize the officers. Particular responsibility and enthusiasm for the existing police culture stem from an elite group within the force, including senior officers, union officials, and those with special appointments and functions, notably detectives and other nonuniformed police. Members of this elite have been the major beneficiaries of the culture that they promote and exploit. The police culture encourages the attitude that police can do no wrong, and any outsider who challenges police conduct is an enemy. Such a climate encourages police corruption and misconduct. New recruits must be protected from absorption into the existing culture, and fresh leadership must be found to reform current attitudes and practices.