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NCJRS Abstract

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NCJ Number: 193794 Find in a Library
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)
Author(s): Andrew J. Goldsmith
Date Published: 2001
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.
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
Main Term(s): Complaints against police
Index Term(s): Complaint processing; Cultural influences; Investigative techniques; Police misconduct; Police-citizen interactions; Public Opinion of the Police
Sponsoring Agency: Prentice Hall Publishing
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Sale Source: Prentice Hall Publishing
Criminal Justice and Police Training
1 Lake Street
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
United States of America
Publisher: http://www.policetrainingstore.com 
Page Count: 29
Format: Book (Softbound)
Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
Language: English
Country: United States of America
To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=193794

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