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What Actions Will Law Enforcement Agencies Take to Deal With Peace Officers Identified as Significant Civil Liabilities?

NCJ Number
151691
Author(s)
M M Wasson
Date Published
1994
Length
131 pages
Annotation
Civil liability is a major law enforcement issue, as revealed by questionnaire results provided by 132 California sheriffs and police chiefs.
Abstract
The analysis of questionnaires projects knowledge ranging from almost total ignorance of civil liability to advanced thinking on the subject and active approaches leading into the future. Forecasts of the future civil liability environment of law enforcement are rather negative. Future scenarios for law enforcement liability, effects, and alternatives in California are described. A model strategic plan outlines efforts to reduce law enforcement liability and overcome resistance to change. The plan centers on training and identifying, retraining, and/or removing liability-prone police officers. A transition management plan is included for implementing the strategic plan. Information is provided on specific subjects for future research, and effects of inaction by law enforcement agency management on civil liability issues are discussed. References, notes, tables, and figures