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LEGAL ASPECTS OF DISCIPLINE BY POLICE ADMINISTRATORS, 2D ED.

NCJ Number
44295
Author(s)
R N WILLIAMS
Date Published
1977
Length
13 pages
Annotation
LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS OF INTERNAL DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES BY POLICE AGENCIES ARE IDENTIFIED; THE SIGNIFICANCE FOR SUPERVISORS OF OVER 90 COURT DECISIONS IS DISCUSSED.
Abstract
THE RULES CONCERN CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN OFFICER, ASSOCIATION WITH UNDESIRABLES, CRIMINAL OFFENSES, MISUSE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS, FAILURE TO PAY DEBTS, IMMORALITY, MISUSE OF FIREARMS, BRIBERY, NEGLECT OF DUTY, RESIDENCY, MOONLIGHTING, FREE SPEECH AND POLITICAL ACTIVITY, HAIRSTYLES, THE FOURTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF SEARCH AND SEIZURE, THE FIFTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION, USE OF POLYGRAPH, AND ENTRAPMENT. IT IS NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A TIME WHEN A POLICE ADMINISTRATOR HAD NEARLY FULL CONTROL OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF HIS DEPARTMENT, THE SITUATION HAS CHANGED IN RECENT YEARS. IN 1977, THE COURTS, BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL, AS WELL AS SEVERAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AFFECT THE OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT BY THEIR RULINGS. THERE CONTINUES TO BE ROOM FOR THE EXERCISE OF AUTHORITY BY A POLICE ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINING HIS PERSONNEL, BUT SUCH AUTHORITY MUST BE WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE LAW. REFERENCES AND FOOTNOTES ARE APPENDED.