Ever since the development of the modern police force in London by Sir Robert Peel in 1829 , determining the best way to police the police-to investigate and hold them accountable for following laws as they enforce themhas been an ongoing challenge. In most municipalities, city government is headed by an elected mayor or a city manager hired by an elected city council. In either case, the mayor or city manager has the power to hire and fire the police chief. If voters are dissatisfied with the work of the police force, the mayor or the city manager will have a strong incentive to either improve the work of the force or hire a new chief who will do a better job.
Police departments handle complaints from citizens through an internal affairs unit. In small departments, one officer handles citizen complaints in addition to other duties. In larger departments, citizen complaints are handled by a specialized unit, often staffed by supervisors.
A number of jurisdictions have taken additional steps that involve persons independent of the police department in the review of police conduct. Among the most common structures are the following:
Civilian Complaint Review Board Model: The civilian complaint review board is usually made up of citizen volunteers who review findings that the police department's internal affairs unit proposes in response to complaints from citizens. In some jurisdictions, the complaint review board relies on the police investigation to make a determination. In others, the review board has staff members who investigate the complaints. This process is more open to the public and can help build trust in the community, but the volunteers on the board may know little about police work.
Police Commission Model: The police commission has independent authority over the operation of the police department. Commission members are usually appointed by elected officials such as the mayor and/or city council, In some cases the commission employs a staff of imvestigators to review complaints. The commission can recommend disciplinary action to the chief of police, when appropriate, or independently impose discipline when necessary. Office of Professional Accountability Model: An outside expert is brought in as the head of the police department office of internal affairs. This expert is appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council. This model blends inside expertise with outside accountability.
Special Prosecutor Model: It is possible to prosecute a police officer for excessive use of force. For example, an officer who kills a suspect in a sltuation where lethal force cannot be justified can be prosecuted for homicide. As a practical matter, prosecutors have to work very closely with police officers and are generally very reluctant to seek grand jury indictments against them. Some people suggest the use of a special prosecutor, totally independent from law enforcement, to handle such cases.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of each model described above? Which approach would you recommend for your community? Explain your reasons.
