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Measuring, managing, and enhancing procedural justice in policing: Promise and pitfalls

NCJ Number
306003
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: 2018 Pages: 149-171
Author(s)
Robert E. Worden; Sarah J. McLean
Date Published
2018
Length
23 pages
Annotation

Since the procedural justice of policing is typically not measured in police agencies, nor is it an outcome for which managers are held accountable, the authors examined whether and how the measurement of procedural justice would affect its management.

Abstract

Survey-based measures of subjective procedural justice in police contacts were reported to two departments’ command staffs on a monthly basis in Compstat meetings. The impacts of thusly measuring performance were estimated. The authors also analyzed an indicator of procedural justice that was based on systematic observation through video and audio recording of police-citizen encounters, and they interviewed patrol officers and supervisors about supervisors’ efforts to manage procedural justice. Neither indicator of police performance revealed consistent changes; however, a modest improvement on one platoon was detected. The authors discuss the implications for enhancing police legitimacy. (Published abstract provided)