Critical Issues in Police Discipline

Book excerpt: This book examines the problem of police discipline from the collective perspective of professional law enforcement leaders. It offers the reader practical, not theoretical, solutions in dealing with problem employees and misconduct incidents. It reflects the collective experience and dedication of a highly experienced group of Illinois police chiefs and sheriffs, both in large and small departments, in urban and rural communities. Law enforcement executives developed the ideas, solutions, and practical suggestions throughout the book. The case study approach used in the book promotes deliberative exchange and contributes to further understanding of the complex issues. Seventeen cases of personnel problems confronted by law enforcement administrators are included. Some of these include: minority rights, mental health, sick time abuse, domestic violence, insubordination, blue flue, prisoner abuse, improper political involvement, alcoholism, and others. The details of each case are given followed by a summary of major issues and dilemmas that each case presents. Legal considerations in each case are summarized to provide the reader with a complete foundation for further analysis. It is intended to be used by police educators, trainers, students and practitioners to facilitate learning in an interactive group discussion model.