NCJ Number
191237
Journal
Criminal Justice: The International Journal of Policy and Practice Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 319-342
Editor(s)
George Mair,
Tim Newburn
Date Published
August 2001
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article examines police integrity testing in Australia.
Abstract
Problems of recurring corruption have stimulated major reforms in policing in many countries in the past 30 years. Considerable advances have been made in recruitment, training, complaints investigations, and external oversight of conduct. However, continuing problems have prompted a search for more effective forms of misconduct prevention. This article examined the situation in Australia in relation to the emerging and controversial anti-corruption strategy on integrity testing. This study was concerned with “integrity tests” that simulate misconduct opportunities for serving officers--not pre-employment--screening tests. The eight police agencies in Australia were asked to supply information on planned or implemented testing programs as well as information on policy perspectives and debates. Only three jurisdictions were identified as conducting targeted tests. The success of these programs in identifying misconduct suggested this might be an essential anti-corruption device and leaves a question mark over the adequacy of accountability in jurisdictions without this capacity. Two other agencies were planning to introduce targeted testing. While some other agencies have given serious consideration to random integrity testing, legal, ethical, and practical concerns have meant that no programs have been introduced except for drug and alcohol testing. The latter also appeared to be a useful tool to improve police conduct. The article concluded with a theoretical review of the possible benefits of randomized testing as a form of behavioral audit. Tables, references