The Charlotte Mecklenburg North Carolina Police Department - Research Paper Example

The Charlotte Mecklenburg North Carolina Police Department Introduction The police force of any country is considered the most important organization. It has the responsibility of keeping the law and order in the country. A good police force means a high level of discipline in the country where the crime rate is low and vice versa. But, more often we see that police themselves are corrupt. They have loose moral integrity and are self serving. This shows a boost in crime rate. Thus, the police force should learn from model departments and see what make them work so efficiently. The Police force, in any culture and any society, is the backbone of our civilization. Without an efficient and honest police force, the very existence of human civilization would be jeopardized. The key word here is “honest”. The administration needs to evaluate, at regular intervals, the integrity levels of its police force. In the United States of America, an initiative was taken to check the integrity level of police officers. This initiative involved a fact finding mission within a sample group that represented a cross-section of the US police force. A sample group of one County Agency and one Sheriff’s Agency were chosen, and a few Municipal Police Agencies were included in the study. In total, three thousand three hundred and thirty five officers in the police force were included in the sample group. All in all, thirty law enforcement agencies were included in the sample group. The process of fact finding involved putting questions to the officers which were to be answered anonymously. The questions were designed in such a way that it probed the awareness about police rules and regulations. Based on the responses the police personnel provided to the hypothetical scenarios about misconduct, a report was drawn up to evaluate the integrity level of the police force. Do you consider the three departments to have a high level of integrity? Why Carl B. Klockars in his book, “Enhancing Police Integrity” looks closely into three police departments of different states to check out their levels of integrity. The three departments mentioned are- The Charleston, South Carolina police department, The Charlotte Mecklenburg North Carolina police department, and The St. Petersburg Florida, police department It is clear from the initial reading of the book that these three departments do show high level of integrity. All the officers are given training on the rules of conduct and behaviour and have to face the consequences if the rules are not followed. The officers learn by observing what their seniors do to deduct the various types of misconduct. Thus, the seniors act as role models for the juniors and present good exterior. They also learn how to discipline those involved in the police misconduct. They follow the rules and judge the seriousness of all the misconducts and do their best to prevent them. The officers demonstrate the level of misconduct to show the seriousness of misbehaviour. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 191) One of the departments made available the disciplinary actions and decisions of the internal investigations upon the State law’s request. It was the belief that laws which kept the disciplinary actions private never succeeded. The actions and decisions are made public and all the people come to know the integrity of the police. Departments who don’t put their disciplinary actions in the light face criticism from the public and may doubt on their integrity. Most of the officers employed in all the three departments agreed to the appropriate disciplinary actions towards the police misconduct and other serious issues. The officers had correctly interpreted the misconducts and their department’s disciplinary threat. These departments investigate the police misconduct by receiving and taking care of every public’s complaint. All the three departments welcome citizen complaints. They review the complaints deeply and investigate the cases in a professional manner. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 134). They take care of even the minor complaints and solve the cases to the utmost of their capabilities and by taking the help of all the modern technologies. The officers of these departments time and again address reasonable minor offences with proper discipline. They examine the cases and resolve them successfully. This paves the way to cater major offences seriously. These too are solved in regulation. The departments practices to disclose the disciplinary actions and results to public scrutiny, this plays effective restriction to both individual and organizational inclinations to cover up misconduct. Thus, we find that there is transparency in the organization that is very necessary for their effective functioning. The way to adhere on disciplinary actions and decisions vary in all the three departments. Each has their own way for disciplinary actions. They have their own techniques by which they deal with their various issues. They don’t match each other in taking disciplinary actions and decision. In spite of this all the three departments can be said to possess equal level of integrity. The officers are alert and pay attention to disciplinary actions and decisions. They follow their senior’s advice at every stage. What steps did the departments take to maintain their level of integrity? The police departments in all the three states are very concerned in maintaining their level of integrity. They imposed strict disciplinary actions on all the officers concerned. But the severity varied from department to department. The three departments made sure that their level of integrity does not fall down. The supervisors had to train the officers all over again on the “written rules” of the department. They also had to follow in practice the written policies such that the juniors understand that these are rules to be practiced and followed, and not to be shelved. In some instances, an unwritten practice among the officers might be deemed fit to be accepted as a written rule, by including it in the codes of conduct. They maintained the integrity by reporting their peer’s misconduct anonymously or secretly. Many refrained from reporting if the misconduct was justified. For example, let us take the case of an officer who was found sleeping during working hours due to lack of sleep in the night. He may have a sick person to attend to. His wife or child may be sick. In such circumstances the peers allow this misconduct and do not complain. If the officer is found sleeping after previous night’s hangover then he is severely punished. This is reported as police misconduct and is filed by the co-workers. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 235) If an officer is exploited by his senior such that his growth or promotion is stopped without any relevant reason, then it is reported as police misconduct. The three departments encourage officers to point out police misconduct boldly. They brought out strategies to maintain the level of integrity. They made it clear that any officer who is bossed or exploited by his immediate senior has to file a complaint against him. Also they may punish the supervisor who could not control errant officers under him. It was the responsibility of the team leader to take care of the members under him. Any officer who is found guilty is even fired based on the severity of the misconduct. The supervisor is answerable to any misconduct from his officers. The officers were heavily punished or fired if found hiding their peers ‘misconduct’. During any police misconduct investigation, if an officer is found lying about the accused officer then he too is severely punished. Such measure saves the department from saving their reputation and earning good name from the public. Thus they stand out high in terms of integrity. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 79, 249) These departments also gave away rewards to their officers if they point out any kind of misconduct. This rewarding is done secretly though. Since the department do not want any kind of inconvenience among the peers. The department also encourages anonymous and confidential reporting, from loyal and supportive officers. In order to retain the levels of integrity, the department discouraged any kind of close friendship. Since this bonding of friendship may hide police misconduct in future. One friend may not want to expose his other friend if found guilty. To achieve this, the department regularly shuffles the officers and supervisors. They recruit people from diverse culture, state and religion. While recruiting officers one cannot safely presume that the person is of good character, truthful, and loyal. They can’t identify their morality. They also cannot predict that the person who possesses all these qualities won’t get tempted to corruption and breaking down rules and bonds. To bring out integrity the departments make it a rule of conduct and mandatory principles to follow while in service. They lay strong rules and its consequences if not followed. This becomes more or less organizational law rather than individual’s morality. Every person has a moral and goodness in him, but situation tempt him to take the wrong path. Police officers are also finally human beings and they too are tempted in getting into corruption. Were the officers in the three departments aware of the rules of conduct? The departmental officers showed an overall ignorance about the essential rules of conduct. Even if they were aware, they showed scant regard for it. This disregard was found inversely proportional to the seriousness with which a particular department dealt with offenders within the department. Departments which took serious note of misconduct and dealt out prompt disciplinary measures had officers who took the rules of conduct seriously. Departments which were lenient on misconduct and dragged their feet in dealing out disciplinary measures had officers who disregarded the rules of conduct. Although the officers are recruited with lots of tests and exams on morality or behaviour, there are isolated cases when these officers fall prey to bad conduct. All are supposed to be aware of the rules of conduct, but many officers were unclear about some official policies. More than ten percent of the officers were unaware that the supervisor who was exploiting them for his own advantage was under violation of official policy in all three departments. So the poor officers were constantly exploited. The supervisors took advantage of their ignorance and were exploiting for their personal gains. If a police officer found that another officer is driving under the influence of alcohol, he should immediately report it as an offence and file a case. This is not known to around fifteen percent of officers from two departments and one third of the third department. The officer driving under the influence of alcohol is violating the official policy. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 124) Ten percent of the officers were not informed that they should be arresting their friend on felony warrant. They were only warning them of the warrant. This again is violation of official policy. The officers are not supposed to accept half priced meals or other small gifts to allow some misconduct by the public. This was said in papers but was permitted verbally. This is violation of official policy. The supervisors have to be strict and keep informing their team members about such things. To avoid the misconduct the police managers have to circulate written rules and train their officers. The managers have to put to practice to avoid violation of official policy. The managers have to set an example to the juniors. They will observe their senior officers and learn. They in turn should teach their juniors. All three departments did offer adequate training on the rules of conduct. They taught them how to behave in front of higher officials. They trained them on the acceptable and unacceptable ways of conduct. But there had been frequent differences of opinions between departments. They also lacked in imbibing the seriousness of specific types of misconduct. What were the disciplinary ramifications to violating the rules of conduct? Discipline plays the central role in any police officer’s life. The officers had to suffer serious consequences if found violating the official policy. There were suspensions of the officers if they were found violating important official policies. They were even fired for not following the rules of conduct. Dismissal was for the most severe disciplinary violation, known as A-violation. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 212) Lying is a serious offence and dismissal is the punishment. Bad company leads to corruption and bad thoughts. The officers were severely punished. Their every move was watched. All their records on disciplinary actions and decisions are made known to the public for scrutiny. They are not only punished by the department but even by the State’s law. Serious offences were not forgiven at any cost. Officers were arrested or fired. Officers with D-violation, that is the least offence of all are warned verbally or counselled. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 206) Departments welcomed complaints from citizens directly against police misconduct. If upon investigation the officers were found guilty then they were penalized. Every complaint is taken into account. The department carries out the investigation based on the seriousness of the case. Police misconduct is a severe offence and violation of rule of conduct. Even trivial complaints were registered, but the severity of the punishment varied according to the percentage of effect in violation of the rule. More severe the complaint more harsh would be the punishment, less severe less punishment. The police misconduct is kept checked from time to time. The minor ones are frequently scrutinized, so that the culprits are aware that checking is going on so as not to misbehave and fall into trouble. The department in an effort to catch and decrease the number of police misconduct open the disciplinary process and resulting discipline to public inspection. Department also impose Sunshine laws to effectively prevent individual and organizational inclinations to misconduct. The departments feel that the severity of the disciplinary actions is fair enough to bring in high level of integrity. Sometimes the degree of discipline each organization imposed was limited by the court on appeal. Departments do give severe punishment which may be less severe in the eye of the court. Such denials lead to tough working atmosphere for the officer in the department. It is assumed that once the erroneous officer has learnt a lesson then he shall remain loyal to the department in the future. The officers are thus judged and given the punishments. They can even be suspended from work without pay. They are give verbal reprimand. Depending on the severity they are given written reprimand. They are dismissed. Worse of it all is the demotion in rank. Their juniors may be getting promotions; this is a shame and good punishment so that the officer doesn’t conduct himself in such a way in future. Lying carried penalties, and lying to any senior officers was considered strict violations of rules of conduct. (“Enhancing Police Integrity”, pg 69) The two other police departments are 1. Department of Veterans Affairs Police, and 2. Riverdale Park Police Department The department of Veterans Affairs of Police has and is giving meaning, purpose and reality to America’s commitment to veterans of military service. They protect patients, visitors, employees and property at VA medical centers and support facilities. These efforts are carried by the officers along with all VA employees to give a peaceful environment for the public to live in. They cater to all the medical needs of the people. Their integrity can be calculated on the amount of dedication they show in preserving the environment and working towards the betterment of the people. There are several sections which provide guidance, consultation, and investigative and direct operational support for all elements of the VA. The officers take every measure to reduce crime in the city and make people happy. The officers are dedicated, enthusiastic and very loyal to the force. They take no chance in letting out crime from under their eyes. They have high level of integrity and sincerity. The police managers don’t go in quantity but quality. Each officer is rewarded after seeing his seriousness and dedications towards his work. This police department does not measure success by simply seeing the number of arrests or citations. They look out for truth in every case. The department educates its officers on general law of enforcement, methods and techniques. They take special interest in health care division. So the officers are needed to possess special skills in that region too. The officers are required to finish their training in first ninety days of appointment. They are trained in various subjects such as baton recertification, legal issues, and officer safety and awareness. These are the steps taken to keep up their integrity. Every officer is given this training compulsorily. The department makes sure that every step is taken to ensure integrity. The department conducts annual training classes for all its officers to achieve high level of integrity. The department of Veterans Affairs Police is known for their integrity, service mentality in healthcare sectors and general wellbeing of the public. The force has service minded individuals who do their work tactfully and never get themselves in the wrong books. The department takes care of all their officers and give regular training sessions on trust, truthfulness and integrity. The Police Officers receive constant in-service and special training in tactical and low light firearms, crime scene investigations, traffic accident investigations, and physical security inspections. These training classes strengthen them into a good police man. The Riverdale Park Police Department commits itself in providing the highest quality policing service. It is maintaining respect for individual rights and human dignity. They endorse the area safety by actively finding solutions to any problems that disturb the citizens’ active life or threaten peaceful existence. The department takes the community’s confidence in protecting public safety. Their integrity lies in the sincerity they show in protecting the people of Riverdale Park. The training provided to the police men and women are aimed to fulfil the security needs of the citizens. This will rightly highlight the level of integrity of the department. “The Riverdale Police Department is proud to be recognized as an Internationally Accredited Agency and looks forward to continuing to provide the Riverdale community with professional law enforcement services,” commented Chief Patterson. The department looks forward to dedicated community service oriented and sincere officers. It protects the people through traditional law enforcement and community oriented policing. The appointments are for police trainees, senior certified officers and the like. They give vigorous physical as well intellect training to come out successful as a police officer. The department encourages their employees by giving them adequate family vacations and holidays and takes care of them in their illnesses. These are the steps taken to improve the level of integrity among the officers. They are paid well. They are regularly given classes on morality and commitment towards bringing peace into the public life. Riverdale city is a unique one. The police are very caring and they try to get to know every family member personally to ensure safety and wellbeing. They are committed to help all of them when on call and make the place peaceful to live in. The business men do their business peacefully. They can always be sure that Riverdale Police is always there to safe guard them. The police men take pride in their security services. They are provided with latest technological equipments. They are proud enough to welcome visitors to the city which is safe and peaceful to live in. “We hope you feel welcome whenever you visit.” As said by the Chief Hansen. The department’s priority is safety of people. They take every care for them. For instance road accidents occur in traffics. The department announces emergency numbers to help people in distress. They immediately present themselves to help such people. They are advised never to leave the scene of accidents without reporting to the police. They are made to give a written complaint for safety measures. The police department makes sure that the accident cases are cleared legitimately. To top in the level of integrity, they welcome all complaints from the public and see to that they examine and investigate and close the case genuinely. They cater to all sorts of petty issues in the neighbourhood. They even solve barking dog’s problem. Such is their sincerity towards the welfare of the people of Riverdale. Conclusion The level of police integrity, unfortunately, is not quite impressive in the United States of America. So, we should not be complacent and rest on our laurels. Our endeavor, expressed through the administration’s initiatives, should be to continuously maintain as well as improve upon the existing level of integrity. Works cited: Carl B. Klockars, Sanja Kutnjuk Ivkovic, Maria R. Haberfeld. Enhancing Police Integrity. Print 2006. Veterans Affairs Police and Security Service FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, the, June, 2001 by Ralph C. Kennedy Official website: town of Riverdale park Maryland Official website: Riverdale government Read More