65D - POLICE OVERSIGHT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chapter 7. Engagement of community and government actors: From whom do 1 gather input, and how will I ensure that 1 have all of the information needed to recommend the appropriate oversight mechanism to address the specific needs of my community? It is essential that you effectively communicate the benefits of police oversight to everyone that you encounter in the government or the community. One strategy involves asking those you encounter about the future of policing that they wish their children and grandchildren to experience. You may then look for windows of opportunity to share some of the benefits you have learned from your own exposure to the field of oversight, as well as the positive experiences of other communities. Police oversight can benefit not only the individual complainant, but also the larger community, law enforcement, and even elected or appointed officials. The actual benefits that occur depend on how well the involved groups work together and the type of model implemented. Some potential benefits are: 1. Complainants are given a place to voice concerns outside of the law enforcement agency. 2. Oversight can help hold law enforcement accountable for an individual officer's actions. 3. Oversight agencies can help improve the quality of the department's internal investigations of alleged misconduct. 4. The community at large can be reassured that discipline is being imposed when appropriate and as part of a more transparent process. 5. When the oversight agency confirms a complainant's allegation(s), complainants and their communities may feel validated. 6. Similarly, when the oversight agency exonerates an officer, the officer may feel vindicated. 7. Oversight agencies can help improve community relations by acting as a bridge between the community and the police agency. 8. Oversight agencies can help respond to public concern about high profile incidents. 20 65D-149