Under-utilization: Means and Analysis Politically Effecting American Law Enforcement Employment Practices

• NCJ Number: 127176
• Journal: Police Journal Volume: 63 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1990) Pages: 350-360
• Author(s): J A Adamitis
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: This paper was scheduled to be presented at the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association's regional conference in Chicago, Illinois, in October 1990

Annotation

The purpose of this study is to provide a political perspective of the Affirmative Action experience in the United States and its possible political impact on employment practices relevant to the corporate and public arena and the American law enforcement sector.

Abstract

The United States Civil Service Commission (USCSC) has confronted deeply rooted prejudicial myths in attempting to secure fair employment practices for minorities. The 14th constitutional amendment has had positive effects, but is historically recognized as a negative restraint. It is not reasonable to expect people to be convinced that they had been wrong and switch to the other side just because the Court has said they should. The threat of Federal intervention may substantially curb dilatory tactics, but unfortunately cause State commissions to put more emphasis on individual complaints rather than broad patterns of discrimination. A study discovered that nearly all Federal departments and agencies were improperly staffed according to affirmative action expectations. 12 court case summaries and 31 references