City of Miami Internal Affairs - Research Paper Example

 Running head: CITY OF MIAMI INTERNAL AFFAIRS City of Miami Internal Affairs Abstract In every city, there are law enforcement departments that play a major role in promoting justice. This study gives an analysis of the City of Miami Internal Affairs. The study gives a clear analysis of the procedures that are followed in conducting an investigation. This provides a clear explanation from the point where the complainant reports the complaint and the investigations that follow. The study also includes the disciplinary and the decertification process that are observed by the institution in promoting justice in its procedures. Introduction The city of Miami is one of the cities where justice is given the first priority. The city is densely populated with different kinds of activities taking place. These range from business activities to recreational activities. The city of Miami internal affairs division has the responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of the city of Miami that of Miami police department as well as that of the citizens living within the area (Miami Police Department; Internal Affairs Division, 2011). For instance, it is the duty of the department to protect its members against any form of false allegations that may be laid against them. Discussion In Miami, the procedure of filing complaint is clear and elaborative to every person, a fact that has made it easier for everyone to place a complaint. Any citizen can file a complaint through a telephone, letter or personally reporting the crime in any recommended locations. The complaints can be taken by the police supervisor directly from the citizens. However, it can also be made directly to the internal Affairs Division or the Civilian Investigative Panel (Miami Police Department; Internal Affairs Division, 2011). All the complaints are supposed to be received within a period of one year after the date of the incident or from the date the crime takes place. However, cases reported later can be considered only after an agreement between the majorities of the members in CIP. This is usually applicable on critical cases that raise serious concerns. After receiving the complaint, the recipient is supposed to pass it to the Internal Affairs Division. It is from there where the complaint will be processed and then classified. After being successfully classified, the complaint is passed to the appropriate division where critical investigation is conducted. The Internal Affairs Division has the main responsibility of monitoring the investigation by promoting effectiveness and reliability of these investigations. The division therefore plays a pivotal role in promoting the success of the investigations. In case the crime is contended, then Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office is given a chance to determine whether criminal charges must be filed over the crime (Caldero and Crank, 2010). The individual who reports about the crime will then be notified about the person to conduct the investigation through a letter. During the investigations, the person who reports the crime is supposed to record statements. Statements are also taken from the available witnesses as well as the subjects. All possible sources that could lead to helpful information are also investigated. All the information gathered is very helpful in making conclusions about the crime (Headley, 2010). However, all the parties involved in providing information are not supposed to disclose the information given until the investigation process is completed. This is because it is feared that such a practice may affect the results of the investigation exercise. Then, the results of the investigation are communicated through a letter. Several conclusions can be made based on the evidence collected. Unfounded implies that the acts which were complained about never took place or they were misunderstood. This implies that the case cannot be taken to the next level. Exonerated is where investigations reveal the acts which led to complaints that took place but are legally regarded to be proper. On the other hand, sustained implies that the investigation revealed an adequate fact that proves the complaints that were made. No finding implies that the complainant is not available to provide the necessary information that is necessary for further investigations. It may also imply that the complaint has withdrawn. Finally, the CIP is supposed to forward the findings as well as the conclusions of the investigations to the chief of police, officers affected and to the complainant or complainants (Caldero and Crank, 2010). In all cases there is a bargaining unit member in an investigation and is under investigation by the City if Miami police Department, there are certain conditions which should be met. These investigations can lead to disciplinary action or dismissal. One of the conditions that should be met in such investigation is that the investigation be conducted in the right hour. For instance, this may be conducted when an employee is in duty so that there is no wastage of resources. However, this will depend on the seriousness of the issue in question. In case it needs a serious attention, the suspects may be called for investigation purposes at any time. The law enforcement agencies are supposed to report all cases after successful investigation including any disciplinary actions taken to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In case there is any arrest, the victim(s) must be informed on the reason for their arrest before they are arrested. Again, this ensures that individuals are a ware of why they are arrested so that they can help in providing the necessary information. In the City of Miami, there is full commitment by the responsible authority in order to ensure that there is fair administration of the disciplinary policy in order to promote justice. In order to achieve these goals, the officers are supposed to undergo an intensive training in order to ensure that they provide the services in the right manner. The disciplinary process is critically scrutinized in order to ensure farness in the process (Caldero and Crank, 2010). The interrogations conducted by the department or for the same must take place in Miami Police department Building. In case another agency is responsible for such investigation, it should take place in Miami Police Department Building or investigative agency’s offices. The bargaining members are also supposed to provide enough information about the investigation as well as the names of the complainants so that they can be adequately prepared. FDLE is responsible for the certification and watch their conduct of the officers. It have a critical role to play in regulating the criminal justice professional in an effort to realize promote quality and ethical services to the citizens. This body however relies on the information gathered in the investigations in drawing the final conclusions. FDLE is determined to minimize on the time spent while conducting the decertification proceedings in certain cases. This is done with an effort of minimizing the costs incurred while conducting these proceedings. When the case reaches to FDLE, thorough investigations on the case are conducted to ensure that justice is realized. For instance, the body is obliged with the responsibility of gathering and sharing information with the intelligence and other criminal justice agencies in an effort to promote justice (Headley 2010). FDLE is also responsible for coordinating antiterrorism activities that may be suspected in the region. Moreover, FDLE has a significant role conducting investigation on any abuse community assistance programs (Arendt, 1999). By so doing, this body ensures that the community receives quality services and benefits from the assistance programs. There are several ethical issues that arise from the investigations and the disciplining process. For instance, every person should be regarded innocent before they are proven guilty. Therefore, the investigation process should therefore be conducted without undertaking anyone under torture process. Since the investigation process involves retrieving information from individuals or witnesses who may not in any way being involved with the crime, it is necessary to give the witnesses a chance to give such information by consent. Witnesses should not be forced or threatened in any way to give information. This also ensures the reliability of the information given. In some cases, witnesses may be called to provide information on critical cases that may threaten their security. In such cases, it is necessary to consider the privacy of the witnesses. For instance, the authority should not disclose the names of the witnesses in case they feel that it may put them in danger. In conclusion this discussion has clearly revealed the procedures that are applied in the City of Miami in conducting investigation. This discussion has shown that there is transparency in conducting investigations in order to ensure that the process is just. The process is also conducted in an ethical manner in order to avoid violation of individual lives. This has been realized by ensuring that officers receive the appropriate training exercises. Reference List Arendt, K.E. (1999). Certification of Law Enforcement Officers. Retrieved from http://archive.flsenate.gov/data/session/1999/House/bills/analysis/pdf/HB1141A.CA.pdf Caldero, M.A. and Crank, J.P. (2010). Police Ethics: The Corruption of Noble Cause. Burlington, M.A: Elsevier. Headley, W.E. (2010). Agreement between City of Miami, Miami, Florida and Fraternal Order of Police. Retrieved from http://www.miamigov.com/employeerel/pages/labor/union_contracts/Doc070926__FOP.PDF Miami Police Department; Internal Affairs Division. (2011). Complaint Investigation Process. Retrieved from http://www.miami-police.org/internal_affairs.html Read More