NCJ Number: |
193794  |
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Title: |
What's Wrong With Complaint Investigations? Dealing With Difference Differently in Complaints Against Police (From Police Misconduct: A Reader for the 21st Century, P
367-395, 2001, Michael J. Palmiotto, ed. -- See NCJ-193774)
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Author(s): |
Andrew J. Goldsmith |
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Date Published: |
2001 |
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Annotation: |
This paper examines the customary method for investigating
citizen complaints against police and proposes a broader
investigative approach that takes into account the various
factors in the interaction between an officer and the citizen
that led to the complaint.
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Abstract: |
The "forensic" approach to the investigation of citizen
complaints against police focuses on determining the "facts" of
the incident central to the citizen complaint. This is necessary
in the attempt to resolve any discrepancies in participant and
witness accounts regarding what occurred. The investigation,
however, must go beyond simply ascertaining the facts of the
incident to explore the various values, beliefs, perceptions, and
subjective reactions that influenced the citizen's negative
reaction to the officer's behavior. This involves an effort to
find ways to reduce hostility on both sides of the complaint
process by improving the opportunities for communication and
dialog between the parties (police and citizens), who are often
separated by divergent value systems and socioeconomic
conditioning. Beyond simply determining the "facts" of a
complaint incident, a complaint investigation must provide
opportunities for the parties to freely voice their reactions to
what occurred and why they believe it resulted in an
unsatisfactory outcome for the citizen. Such an investigative
effort provides the opportunity for both police and citizens to
better understand one another's perspectives and draw lessons
that can improve future police-citizen interactions. 96 notes
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Main Term(s): |
Complaints against police |
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Index Term(s): |
Complaint processing; Cultural influences; Investigative techniques; Police misconduct; Police-citizen interactions; Public Opinion of the Police |
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Sponsoring Agency: |
Prentice Hall Publishing Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 |
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Sale Source: |
Prentice Hall Publishing Criminal Justice and Police Training 1 Lake Street Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 United States of America |
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Publisher: |
http://www.policetrainingstore.com |
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Page Count: |
29 |
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Format: |
Book (Softbound) |
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Type: |
Legislation/Policy Analysis |
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Language: |
English |
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Country: |
United States of America |
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To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=193794 |
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