NCJ Number
80601
Date Published
1981
Length
184 pages
Annotation
This report presents U.S. Commission on Civil Rights findings and recommendations on police practices having an impact on civil rights. Institutional aspects of the problem of police misconduct are addressed so that States and communities will be motivated to make appropriate changes.
Abstract
The report discusses problems arising in recruitment, selection, and training for police work; in the internal regulation of police departments; and in external controls. It also outlines remedies available for victims of police misconduct and refers to recent legislative and legal developments in this area. The report finds serious underutilization of minorities and women in local law enforcement agencies and suggests that affirmative action plans be developed and implemented by police departments. Police selection standards, psychological screening tests, and police training programs also present problems and should be revised or expanded. Furthermore, unnecessary police use of excessive or deadly force should be curtailed, complaint systems should be upgraded, and internal affairs units should investigate all cases of police misconduct and be adequately staffed with specially trained investigators. Local government officials should actively review police practices, with vigorous prosecution of police misconduct. Laws should be strengthened to protect the rights of citizens alleging police abuse, and uniform policy guidelines regarding the receipt, investigation, and referral of complaints alleging discrimination should be developed by the Justice Department. Footnotes are included. An appendix presents the results of the Commission's field investigations.