NCJ Number
12026
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 40 Issue: 7 Dated: (JULY 1973) Pages: 65-67
Date Published
1973
Length
3 pages
Annotation
FUNCTIONING OF AN INTERNAL CONTROL DIVISION AND A SUGGESTION THAT POLICE CONTROL OF QUALITY AND CORRUPTION IS A PREREQUISITE TO ACHIEVING PROFESSIONAL STATUS.
Abstract
IT IS GENERALLY AGREED THAT SOCIETY WILL ACCEPT POLICEMEN AS PROFESSIONALS WHEN POLICE EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY WARRANT SUCH A STATUS. THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT THE PUBLIC MUST BE ASSURED THAT THE DEPARTMENTS ARE CAPABLE OF INTERNALLY MAINTAINING ETHICAL STANDARDS AND QUALITY. THIS CONFIDENCE AND TRUST CAN BE ACHIEVED BY DEPARTMENTAL INSTITUTION OF AGGRESSIVE, COMPETENT INTERNAL SECURITY AND CONTROL SECTIONS WHICH WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY, AS WELL AS SAFEGUARDING INTEGRITY. THE AUTHOR OUTLINES THE OPERATION OF ONE SUCH UNIT WHICH INSPECTS PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT, CONDUCTS FIELD OBSERVATIONS, AND PERFORMS EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS OF CANDIDATE OFFICERS. A MAJOR FUNCTION OF THIS UNIT IS THE INVESTIGATION OF CITIZENS' COMPLAINTS.