NCJ Number
114062
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Direct observations of a police force in a medium sized city in Venezuela formed the basis of an analysis of the effects on police responses of situational and personal variables, such as appearance, dress, and attitudes of suspects and citizens reporting crimes.
Abstract
The research started from the premise that police use a system of selection in cases they preocess, both upon detection and upon further inquiry. The study was conducted in a police force responsible for a capital city with a population of 150,000, as well 8 surrounding districts. Data was collected on 28 days between October 1983 and February 1984 at headquarters and on vehicle patrol during the peak times of 12 noon to 6 p.m. and 12 midnight to 6 a.m. The final analysis involved 198 cases observed during 432 hours. Of the total, 11 percent were requests for investigations, 56 percent were directly detected, and 33 percent were complaints by individuals. One hundred and eleven involved known suspects. Results revealed a positive relationship between crime reporters' appearance and assertiveness and the police response of filing a formal complaint. In addition, police officers tended to give more attention to report details and were more patient and polite with well-dressed individuals reporting crimes. Furthermore, collaborative and well-dressed suspects were better treated than those who were poorly dressed or resisted authority. Findings illustrated the complexity of a criminal situation and the importance of discretion in defining and solving it. Additional findings and recommendations for further research