Logo image
Back
Early Intervention to Reduce Complaints: An Australian Victoria Police Initiative
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Early Intervention to Reduce Complaints: An Australian Victoria Police Initiative

Stuart Macintyre, Timothy Prenzler and Jackie Chapman
International Journal of Police Science & Management, Vol.10(2), pp.238-250
2008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1350/ijps.2008.10177
pdf
PDF - Author's Accepted Version58.21 kBDownloadView
Accepted VersionPDF - Author Accepted Version Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1350/ijps.2008.10177View
Published Version

Abstract

Criminology Policy and Administration early warning systems complaints profiling police misconduct prevention integrity management risk management
Complaints Profiling', 'Early Warning' or 'Early Intervention' systems are currently seen as vital mechanisms for reducing police misconduct and improving policecommunity relations. This paper reports on the introduction of an early intervention system for police in the State of Victoria, Australia. The findings support the contention that such systems have a demonstrable utility in reducing complaints. A sample of 44 individuals profiled showed that interventions resulted in a 71. 7% reduction in complaints, from an expected 121 down to 35 over a two year period. Additionally, the study showed that the financial cost-benefit effects were very positive, with reduced complaints resulting in an estimated saving of AU$3.2 million over the two years. A study of a sample of nine locations showed a 58.6% reduction in complaints, from a projected number of 60.6 down to 25 over a one year period, with an estimated saving of AU$1.4 million. The paper also describes the types of interventions sed and a number of issues that arise from complaints profiling.

Details

Metrics

149 File views/ downloads
546 Record Views
Logo image