ROLE OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Role of Internal Affairs



Role of internal affairs

Introduction

In this research paper, we will discuss the role of internal affairs in law and enforcement by highlighting different factors. These factors include investigation procedure, police corruption, police misconduct, police officer's buill of rights, garrity and the disciplinary process.

The federal government investigates violations of federal law and actively prosecutes these violations. State and local police enforce state law as well as local ordinances. When federal officers are working in a particular city, they usually work closely with local law enforcement to best carry out their mission.

Police agencies must investigate any allegations, even if anonymous, of misconduct. They must determine written policy for internal affairs. If a criminal act may be imminent, the appropriate government prosecutor should be contacted immediately. Officers must be notified of any complaints and their outcomes. The police department must submit periodic reports to the county attorney and the public regarding officer misconduct (Walker, 2004).

Procedures of internal affairs investigations

Police conduct internal affairs investigation by using several procedures. These include evidence, documentation, weapons, search and seizure, photographs and interviews of involved parties.

The main object of any investigation is the evidence that becomes the foundation of the case. Without any evidence, an officer cannot conduct any kind of investigation against anyone. Therefore, evidence is an essential part of the investigation. The next procedure is documentation. An investigation conducted in a haphazard manner does not qualify to be a professional investigation. Any progress or any part of the case must be documented in the proper form which can lead to an easy solution of the case. Use of weapons may be helpful while investigating over a case. The use must not be fatal but it should only reflect the power possessed by the holder and to make someone to speak who is suspected to be the major component of the process (Sherman, 2006).

An investigation team also conducts search to find out evidences and proofs. These evidences, once found out, may lead to an important progress of the investigation. Search of a culprit or the main suspected person and its seizure is also an essential part. Capturing photographs help in maintaining the record of the investigation. These pictures may be of the site or the suspected persons. Another procedure is the involvement of the third parties who are somehow associated with the case. These persons are interviewed by the investigating team that might lead to some clue for solving the case and completing the investigation.

The Disciplinary Process

Police or law enforcement officers are expected to uphold the law and be above reproach. While that is generally the case, just like any other profession, there are some who cross the line or take advantage of their position of authority. For that reason, law enforcement agencies within the United States have an internal affairs department. The primary responsibility of an internal affairs department is to investigate complaints of police misconduct or criminal acts committed by ...