Police Accountability: Common Sense Discussions

Informed by the author’s extensive personal experience in consulting, researching, and writing about various aspects of the law enforcement profession, as well as serving as a police officer, Police Accountability: Common Sense Discussions provides readers with a comprehensive examination of police conduct and responsibility. From ideas on ethics to professionalism to community-oriented policing efforts, the text features rich information to help law enforcement professionals develop and improve individual and systemic conduct.

The book is divided into three distinct parts. In Part I, readers consider ethical principles; discretionary decision making; the experiences, perceptions, and portrayals of police officers; and issues pertaining to reform. Part II focuses on proactive strategies, including professionalism and community policing, increasing educational requirements, thoughtful selection of candidates, and more. The final part discusses reactive strategies, with special emphasis on the development of leadership and management, evaluating and improving police review systems, reactive strategies to the use of force and deadly force, and the future of the profession.

Police Accountability is a valuable and well-researched text that is ideal for courses and programs in law enforcement and policing.

Douglas W. Perez is a professor emeritus in the Criminal Justice Department at the State University of New York, Plattsburgh, where he taught courses in criminal justice, focusing on the police, law and society, the drug war, and introductory courses. Previously, he served as a deputy sheriff and correctional officer at the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in California. Dr. Perez is the author of The Paradoxes of Policy Work, Common Sense about Police Review, and Police Ethics: A Matter of Character.