POLITICS AT THE STREET LEVEL - THE SELECT CASE OF POLICE ADMINISTRATION AND THE COMMUNITY

• NCJ Number: 18073
• Author(s): D C PERRY; P A SARNOFF
• Date Published: 1973
• Length: 39 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

STREET-LEVEL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ARE NOT CONSIDERED SIGNIFICANT PARTS OF THE DECISION MAKING ADMINISTRATION ALTHOUGH THE VERY NATURE OF THEIR JOBS NECESSITATES PERSON, IF NOT ADMINISTRATIVE, DISCRETION.

Abstract

THE AUTHORS POINT OUT THAT THE BEAT PATROLMAN, ALTHOUGH TREATED AS A 'NON-ADMINISTRATOR', IS CONSTANTLY CALLED UPON TO MAKE DECISIONS IN THE COURSE OF EVERYDAY WORK. HOWEVER, THE POLICE ADMINISTRATION, IN ATTEMPTS TO AVOID ANY AND ALL CRITICISM RELATING TO POLICE DISCRIMINATION AND/OR MISCONDUCT SUBJECTS THE STREET-LEVEL POLICEMAN TO STRUCTURAL ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE OR DISCOURAGE POSITIVE PERSONAL DISCRETION. THESE EFFORTS INCLUDE SUCH INSTITUTIONS AS POLICE ADVISORY, INTERNAL INSPECTION, AND CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARDS. THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY OF POLICE BEHAVIOR IN THE CITY OF ROCHESTER (NY) ARE DISCUSSED. A LIST OF REFERENCES IS INCLUDED.