Widening the scope on complaints of police misconduct

Abstract

Purpose -This study aims to examine the relationship between officer characteristics, productivity levels, situational context, the complaint process and allegations of police misconduct in a Midwestern municipal police agency. Design/methodology/approach -Data were collected for all formal and informal complaints filed against patrol officers from 2002-2005. Demographic information, arrest, citation and report data, as well as data regarding the number of officers on scene during the police citizen contact that resulted in the complaint were utilized in these analyses. Findings -The analyses in this study demonstrate that more aggressive officers -those who issue a greater number of citations -will generate a greater number of complaints of misconduct. Two variables explain the processing of formal complaints: number of officers present and the nature of the complaint. Further, the analyses indicate that informal complaints are a viable source of data and that the collection and archival of informal complaints can be a useful indicator for internal control of police misconduct. Practical implications -The findings indicate that police departments must employ internal mechanisms, such as early warning systems to deal with police misconduct. Internal monitoring of police conduct may be the best way to detect misconduct as relying solely on citizen complaints as measures of police misconduct does not appear to be warranted. Originality/value -This paper adds to the literature on complaints of police misconduct by including several variables not previously examined. Further, this study analyzes both formal and informal complaints; there are no other studies that examine informal complaints of misconduct. This study also investigates the complaint process, including frequency, nature, disposition and discipline administered following disposition of formal complaints.

Research on Women in Policing: A Look at the Past, Present and Future

“…Recent studies, though, have revealed less of a sex‐based difference among citizens’ complaints against the police (Bergeron et al. 2008; Hassell and Archbold 2010). One study found that the distribution of formal and informal complaints about male and female police officers was generally representative of their representation within their agency (Bergeron et al.…”

Complaining While Black: Racial Disparities in the Adjudication of Complaints against the Police

“…Reviews of complaints against police from across the country show variation in rates at which complaints are sustained; however, most found the rate to be below 12 percent (Dugan and Breda ; Hassell and Archbold ; Hickman ; Liederbach et al. ; Manis, Archbold, and Hassell ; Michelle Lersch and Mieczkowski ; Terrill and Ingram ).…”

“…; Manis, Archbold, and Hassell ; Michelle Lersch and Mieczkowski ; Terrill and Ingram ). A 2010 analysis of complaints made against a Midwestern law enforcement agency found that 62 percent of complaints were sustained (Hassell and Archbold ). At the other end of the spectrum, Liederbach et al.…”

“…Reviews of complaints against police from across the country show variation in rates at which complaints are sustained; however, most found the rate to be below 12 percent (Dugan and Breda 1991;Hassell and Archbold 2010;Hickman 2006;Liederbach et al 2007;Manis, Archbold, and Hassell 2008;Michelle Lersch and Mieczkowski 1996;Terrill and Ingram 2015). A 2010 analysis of complaints made against a Midwestern law enforcement agency found that 62 percent of complaints were sustained (Hassell and Archbold 2010). At the other end of the spectrum, Liederbach et al (2007) found that only 1.6 percent of complaints made against officers in a Midwest City were sustained.…”

Understanding the Organizational Factors that Impact Police-Community Relations

“…The micro-level studies that have focused more on the police officer typically fall into one of two groups. First, some research has analyzed officers' personal demographics, backgrounds, and/or years and types of experience as they correlate with citizen complaints (Brandl, Stroshine, & Frank, 2001;Harris, 2010;Hassell & Archbold, 2010;Kappeler, Sapp, & Carter, 1992;Lersch, 2002;McElvain & Kposowa, 2004;Terrill & Ingram, 2016). Whereas, fewer studies have focused on officer experiences, perceptions, and attitudes towards the complaint process and/or system (Bartels & Silverman, 2005;De Guzman, 2004;Schaible et al, 2013;Wells & Schafer, 2007).…”