Issues in Policing and Police Culture

Issues in Policing

• Various pressing issues for police administrators and officers today are highlighted, specifically:
  • On-the-Job Dangers:
  • The stresses faced by officers in their roles, potentially affecting their performance and psychological well-being.
  • Risks of Disease and Infected Evidence:
  • The dangers associated with handling evidence that may be contaminated, posing health risks to officers.
  • Use of Deadly Force:
  • The implications and consequences surrounding the lawful use of lethal force in police operations.

Police Personality and Culture

• Concept of Police Working Personality:
  • This refers to the full scope of traditional values and behavioral patterns displayed by police officers who have been effectively integrated into police culture.
• Characteristics of the Police Personality:
  • Traits common among law enforcement personnel that often extend into their personal lives, influencing their interactions and decision-making.

Police Corruption

• Definition of Police Corruption:
  • The derogation of police authority for personal gain or organizational advantage.
• Knapp Commission:
  • A panel established to investigate police corruption in New York City during the 1970s.
  • Key figure: Frank Serpico, a whistleblower on the level of corruption within the NYPD.
• Types of Police Corruption:
  • Grass Eaters:
  • This form involves minor corrupt activities that occur sporadically during normal police duties, such as accepting small bribes or favors.
  • Meat Eaters:
  • A more severe form of corruption involving officers actively seeking illegal financial opportunities.
  • Engaging in soliciting bribes through threats or intimidation tactics.
• Drug Testing of Police Employees:
  • The potential for corruption influenced by illegal drug use has led to increased scrutiny, including:
  • Mandatory drug testing for all police applicants and recruits.
  • Ongoing drug testing for current employees struggling with job performance issues, excessive use of force, or those involved in high-risk incidents.

Police Civil Liability

• Various Areas of Liability:
  • Police may incur liability for multiple failings, such as:
  • Failure to Protect Property in Custody:
    • Negligence in safeguarding belongings taken into police possession.
  • Negligence in Care of Suspects:
    • Inadequate care provided to suspects while in police custody.
  • Failure to Render Emergency Medical Assistance:
    • Not providing necessary medical aid to individuals in need while under police supervision.
  • Failure to Prevent Foreseeable Crimes:
    • Not taking necessary actions to avert easily predictable criminal activity.
  • Failure to Aid Private Citizens:
    • Neglecting to assist individuals in dire situations when it is within the police's capacity to do so.
  • General disregard for the safety of others can result in legal repercussions.
• Patterns of Unfair Treatment:
  • Instances of inequitable treatment can include:
  • Racial Profiling:
    • Bias against individuals based on race or ethnic background during police stops or investigations, leading to systemic inequality.
• False Arrest:
  • Defined as the unlawful restraint of an individual's freedom by another claiming legal authority.
  • A situation typically involves arrests made without a proper legal warrant or probable cause.
• False Imprisonment:
  • Refers to any form of unlawful confinement of an individual.
  • Exception:
    • The concept of "Shopkeeper's Privilege," which allows for detaining a suspected shoplifter under certain conditions akin to a "citizen's arrest."
• Inappropriate Use of Deadly Force:
  • The unjustified application of lethal force against individuals, raising ethical and legal concerns regarding police conduct.
• Violations of Constitutional Rights:
  • Any actions taken by police that infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens can lead to civil liability and repercussions for law enforcement.