NCJ Number
103275
Date Published
1986
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This summary of proceedings of the 1986 Justice Liability Management Seminar presents addresses and workshop discussions on how to prevent and defend against corrections and police liability suits and complaints.
Abstract
Suggested techniques for police departments to use in preventing complaints and liability suits are attention to current relevant law, improved documentation, and continuous updating of policies and training. Other suggestions for reducing the potential for liability are the development of clear agency policies and procedures followed by their implementation in training curricula and their enforcement through agency discipline. There should be an ongoing assessment of policies to ensure their adaptation to changing circumstances. In addressing the issue of the expert witness, one paper considers the role of such witnesses, how they can help or hurt a case, and criteria for selecting an expert witness. A discussion of the defense of suits against criminal justice agencies focuses on cases of negligent hiring, negligent retention, negligent assignment, negligent training. The workshop discussions address issues pertaining to the use of force, failure to protect, and personnel management.