NCJ Number
146733
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 34-52
Date Published
1993
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article discusses current arrangements for holding international policing organizations, particularly those in Europe, to account and recommends ways to optimize that accountability.
Abstract
There are three primary criteria by which the accountability of policing activities may be assessed; these involve the extent to which the institution's practices are authorized by legislative mandate, the arrangements made to hold the institution accountable by a broad democratic constituency, and the rules and procedures that ensure due process of law. This author argues that current arrangements for accountability are deficient, due to four factors, which can be classified as political marginalization, bureaucratic momentum and the development of policing markets, alternative sources of legitimacy, and an occupational culture. The author would recommend developing a semistructured model of international policing, which would have a unified core concerned with policymaking and personnel functions, surrounded by smaller organizations performed limited operational functions (i.e., information exchange, crime pattern analysis, coordination of national investigations, and training). This type of organization would remain accountable without become inflexible and insulated. 59 references