ABSTRACT
An Advanced Complaints and Discipline System A robust and fair complaints and discipline system is essential to control misconduct, encourage public confidence in police integrity, and ensure the loyalty and confidence of honest police. Complaints (or “disclosures” or “reports”) from the public and police about alleged or suspected misconduct remain the primary input component of a disciplinary system. Complaints provide the main trigger for investigations, and are also a key source of intelligence. It is therefore essential that a complaints system is easily accessible, highly responsive, comprehensive, and accountable. Major problems can easily arise when both the public and police feel unable to lodge a complaint, or when they are diverted from complaining by fear of reprisal. Problems also arise when the system is not all-inclusive, so that patterns of recorded allegations understate or skew the level of problems across a department. Care must also be taken to ensure that the response to reported misconduct is measured and proportionate. Significant disaffection is likely to be generated by both excessive and inadequate responses to complaints. Striking the right balance is not an easy task, with a basic divergence of options between
1. A retrospectively oriented system that is procedurally fair and methodical, oriented toward finding the truth, and applying a just response to misconduct, including measured forms of punishment;
2. A future-oriented system focused on behavioral improvements, primarily through efficient processing of complaints and dispositions centered on retraining or close supervision; and
3. Future-oriented “restorative” responses, centered on reconciling conflicts either through mediation between parties or efficient localized forms of communication, explanation, and apology.
