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Handling Complaints Against Police Personnel - Suggestions of the Committee on Procedures in Disciplinary Matters

NCJ Number
73282
Date Published
1979
Length
116 pages
Annotation
Although the committee found no basis for the public's concern that complaints against the police and crimes for which police officers are charged in Sweden are not being adequately investigated, the committee makes recommendations that would remove investigatory responsibility from police jurisdiction.
Abstract
The committee concluded that the current directives issued by the police board placed adequate safeguards on investigation procedures so that their handling would not likely be influenced by police loyalties. The regulations make it impossible for charges against the police to be dropped, since final authority for dropping charges lies outside the police. In Stockholm, Goteborg, and Malmo, special disciplinary units handle charges against the police. These units are based in the police district's legal branch in Stockholm, while in Goteborg they answer to the chief of police operations, and in Malmo to the county authorities. In no place in the country can investigating officers work on a day-to-day basis with the accused officer. The committee suggests an alternative arrangement as a way to further safeguard against abuse and to reassure the public. It sees the police as having the only qualified personnel to conduct a quality investigation. For this reason, the committee suggests reassigning select police personnel to special investigatory units that would fall under the authority of the prosecutorial authorities. Investigative personnel would have organizational ties to the highest county prosecutorial offices. About 14 officers will need reassigning, and these officers, during slack periods, could carry out other investigative duties for county prosecutors. Specific organizational arrangements for the larger cities, small towns, and rural areas are suggested.