Q1
Briefly, discuss the findings in a study conducted by Donner et al., (2016) pertaining to the relationship between self-control and police misconduct. In doing so, discuss Gottfredson and Hirschi’s (1990) general theory of crime as it is relative to self-control theory and police misconduct.
Donner, C. M., Fridell, L. A., & Jennings, W. G. (2016). The relationship between self-control and police misconduct: A multi-agency study of first-line police supervisors. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 43(7), 841-862.
Q2
Briefly discuss the effectiveness of consent decrees and Section 14141 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. In doing so, describe the legal provision that allowed the Department of Justice DOJ to intervene when allegations are made that constitutional policing is not followed as a matter of patterns and practices.
Alpert, G. P., McLean, K., & Wolfe, S. (2017). Consent decrees: An approach to police accountability and reform. Police Quarterly, 20(3), 239-249.
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Q1: The Relationship Between Self-Control and Police Misconduct (Donner et al., 2016)
Donner et al. (2016) conducted a study exploring the relationship between self-control and police misconduct among first-line police supervisors. The study aimed to determine whether officers with lower self-control were more likely to engage in misconduct, such as using excessive force or abusing their authority.
The self-control theory posits that individuals with lower self-control are more likely to engage in risky or unethical behavior, as they lack the ability to restrain immediate impulses in favor of long-term consequences. This concept is based on the general theory of crime developed by Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990), which argues that low self-control is a primary predictor of criminal behavior. According to their theory, individuals who lack self-control are more impulsive, less able to delay gratification, and more prone to risky behaviors.
In the context of police misconduct, lower self-control in officers can lead to actions driven by immediate emotions or stress, such as aggressive responses in tense situations or abuse of power. Donner et al. (2016) found that first-line police supervisors with lower self-control tended to show higher rates of misconduct, indicating that low self-control could be a significant factor in unethical police behavior. Their findings highlight the importance of addressing self-control in police training and management to mitigate misconduct.
Q2: Effectiveness of Consent Decrees and Section 14141 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994
Consent decrees are legal agreements that aim to bring about reforms in police departments accused of misconduct, providing an alternative to long, costly litigation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) can use these decrees to oversee the implementation of reforms in departments found to engage in unconstitutional practices, such as racial profiling or excessive force.
Section 14141 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 grants the DOJ the authority to intervene in police departments when a pattern or practice of violating constitutional rights is identified. The DOJ can file lawsuits against police agencies, and if misconduct is proven, they can impose consent decrees as a tool for reform. These decrees require police departments to make specific changes to policies, training, and practices to ensure compliance with constitutional standards.
The effectiveness of consent decrees, as discussed by Alpert et al. (2017), is mixed. On one hand, they can lead to meaningful reforms, improved oversight, and better community-police relations. However, there are challenges such as resistance from police departments, the costs of implementing reforms, and the time required to see significant change. Despite these challenges, consent decrees remain a critical mechanism for holding police departments accountable and ensuring they adhere to constitutional policing practices. The legal provision of Section 14141 is central to this process, enabling the DOJ to intervene proactively when systemic problems are identified.
By addressing the relationship between self-control and police misconduct, and discussing the role of consent decrees and Section 14141 in reforming police practices, you can better understand the importance of both psychological factors and legal mechanisms in maintaining police accountability and ethical behavior.
Place this order or similar order and get an amazing discount. USE Discount code “GET20” for 20% discount