The Roots of Police Discipline - A Comparison of the Military Disciplinary System to its Adaptations by Law Enforcement Agencies.
Abstract
The military, among its many societal functions, serves as a federal employer, responsible for recruiting and training soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines to make life or death decisions, handle deadly weapons, and preserve and protect the citizens of the United States. Very few non-military employers expect or require their employees to perform similar tasks. The very notable and obvious exception are the many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that employ dedicated officers who serve many of the same functions, and must face many of the same challenges, as members of the military. Perhaps not surprisingly, most American law enforcement agencies are organized along quasi-military lines. The quasi-military structure and approach of the typical police department includes the same straight-forward chain of command, uniformity of dress and personal appearance for its officers, an emphasis on obeying orders, and required conformity to a higher standard of conduct than that expected of citizens or employees in general The typical law enforcement agency's military approach also includes the use of a classic military disciplinary model adapted to conform to the requirements of law enforcement and the constitutional due process protections to which public employees are entitled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 07, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA359048
Entities
People
- Douglas B. Cox
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology