Support for Advancing the Quality of the Policing Culture
Submitted by: Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee in partnership with the Community Policing Committee, the Human & Civil Rights Committee, and the Police Administration Committee
WHEREAS the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) supports efforts of professional policing agencies to advance the quality of the profession by establishing core tenets of a healthy culture1; and
WHEREAS IACP, through its Strategic Plan, asserts that police agencies will have the trust and confidence of their communities2; and
WHEREAS IACP, through its Strategic Plan, asserts that the police profession will be more effective globally as a result of IACP efforts3; and
WHEREAS IACP established Bias-Free Policing, Leadership and Culture, and Community Relations as three of six key focus areas in the Trust Building Campaign4; and
WHEREAS IACP acknowledges that an exemplary policing culture leads to development and retention of high-quality peace officers and supports a core value of policing to protect the vulnerable from harm5; and
WHEREAS IACP recognizes that high-quality peace officers provide reliable and trustworthy community safety and service6; and
WHEREAS IACP recognizes that the erosion of positive culture can lead to compromises and lowering of standards, the loss of trusted community safety and service, and the subsequent loss of an agency’s efficacy7; and
WHEREAS IACP acknowledges that the lack of uniform basic tenets of positive culture leads to deleterious effects and disparities in character, performance, and service outcomes8, it recommends:
ELEMENTS OF POSITIVE POLICE CULTURE 9, 10, 11, 12
- a. Safety and service for all community members;
- b. Clear, acknowledged, and practiced expectations of professional conduct;
- c. Adherence and accountability to law, policy, and ethics;
- d. Leadership actions, communicated through a timeline and demonstrated throughout all levels of the organization, that are sustainable and align with organizational values;
- e. Collaborative engagement with community members, organizations, elected leaders, and peers;
- f. Bias-free and inclusive organizational and policing practices;
- g. Transparency to both internal and external stakeholders;
- h. Deliberate investment in the safety, development, and wellness of organizational members;
- i. Effective bilateral communication throughout the organization including soliciting and valuing input from all levels of the organization; and
- j. Continuous evaluation of the organizational climate to identify needed changes for a healthy police culture and for continuous improvement.
WHEREAS, IACP also acknowledges that agencies across a diverse and international profession may have organizational and regional perspectives on additional elements of a positive culture13; and
WHEREAS, IACP acknowledges agencies will differ in the delivery of leadership and policing services, and that the elements above provides a foundation to establish a consistent set of practices, principles, and purpose14; and
WHEREAS, IACP recognizes the need to focus and standardize public safety organizations’ core elements of positive culture; now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, that the IACP encourages the maturation of each agency’s core tenets of character and service, to advance the Quality of the Policing Culture.
___________________________________
1 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “About IACP,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/about-iacp.
2 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
3 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
4 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “Trust Building Campaign,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign.
5 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “IACP Resolution: Maintaining and Maturing the Quality of the Policing Culture,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/October_2023_IACP_Resolutions.pdf
6 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “IACP Resolution: Maintaining and Maturing the Quality of the Policing Culture,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/October_2023_IACP_Resolutions.pdf
7 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “IACP Resolution: Maintaining and Maturing the Quality of the Policing Culture,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/October_2023_IACP_Resolutions.pdf
8 Sue Rahr and Stephen K. Rice, “From Warriors to Guardians: Recommitting American Police Culture to Democratic Ideals,” New Perspectives in Policing Bulletin (Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, 2015).
9 Wesley G. Skogan and Kathleen Frydl, eds., Fairness and Effectiveness in Policing: The Evidence (Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2004).
10 Gary W. Cordner, Community Policing (New York: Oxford University Press, 2014).
11 Tom R. Tyler, “Enhancing Police Legitimacy,” The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 593, no. 1 (2004): 84-99.
12 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “Bias-Free Policing”. Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, January 2021).
13 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
14 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
Related Content
EXPIRED Body-Worn Camera Video Release
Submitted by: Police Administration Committee
Cosponsored by: Committee of Homeland Security, Communications & Technology Committee, Community Policing Committee, Crime Prevention Committee, Education & Training Committee, Forensics Committee, Highway Safety Committee, Human and Civil Rights Committee, Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee, University/College Police Section, Victim Services Committee, and Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Committee
PAC.18.20
WHEREAS, in recent years, delays in release of body-worn camera footage of officer-involved use-of- force incidents have provided opportunities for the dissemination of misleading information about what transpired leading up to and during the incidents has, in some cases, contributed to civil unrest; and
WHEREAS, public expectations for transparency in the disclosure of police officers’ actions in use-of- force situations have increased pressure on law enforcement executives to release the body-worn camera footage in a timely fashion; and
WHEREAS, the ability of law enforcement executive to release body-worn camera footage are often restricted by a number of factors including collective bargaining agreements, jurisdiction-specific laws or regulations, court rules of procedures, and interagency agreements; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement executives often need to consult with the prosecutor of jurisdiction and the independent investigative agency, if applicable, prior to the release of their video and/or audio recordings; and
WHEREAS, it should be recognized that consistency in release of body-worn camera videos should be adhered to so that allegations of bias in the release policy is not a consideration; now, let it be
RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) strongly supports the development and administration of policies that allow for the release of body-worn camera videos to explain context and to provide their communities with objective information on incidents, maximize transparency, protect their communities from misleading information, and build confidence and trust in the actions of their police agencies
EXPIRED Victim Considerations in the Dissemination of Audio/Video Captured by Law Enforcement
WHEREAS, the use of video and audio recording has grown in law enforcement services during the past decade; and
WHEREAS, video and audio recordings can increase the transparency and accountability of all contacts with law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, police videos released in accordance with freedom of information requests can be made public and used for profit; and
WHEREAS, the importance of transparency and accountability should not be disregarded, yet the rights of victim privacy and the potential impact on the victim should be significantly considered when capturing and/or releasing recordings; and
WHEREAS, public release of video and audio recordings can re-victimize crime victim(s) and impact the physical and psychological healing of victims and witnesses each time it is re-publicized, as well as devastate families and communities overall; and
WHEREAS, partnerships and collaborations with local community and victim advocates organizations can assist law enforcement to gain a better understanding of the impact of audio and video recordings on crime victims; and
WHEREAS, enhancing already established policies and laws to meet new and rapidly changing technology advancements can aid law enforcement with navigating the complexities that arise with the implementation and use of audio and video recordings; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 122nd Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, recommends that law enforcement leaders collaborate with criminal justice stakeholders, prosecutors and elected officials to enhance or create laws and policies designed to closely regulate the release of law enforcement captured audio and video recordings; and, be it.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that law enforcement leaders, criminal justice stakeholders, prosecutors and elected officials work to balance transparency concerns and the public's right to know, against privacy issues for victims; and prioritize the rights of victims, their family, witnesses, and community members, to protect these individuals from further physical and psychological harm that can occur when audio and video recordings becomes public.
Submitted by: Victim Services Committee, Private Sector Liaison Committee, Crime Prevention Committee, Police Investigative Operations Committee, Community Policing Committee, and
Civil Rights Committee
VSC.009.t15
Related Content
Support for Advancing the Quality of the Policing Culture
Submitted by: Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee in partnership with the Community Policing Committee, the Human & Civil Rights Committee, and the Police Administration Committee
WHEREAS the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) supports efforts of professional policing agencies to advance the quality of the profession by establishing core tenets of a healthy culture1; and
WHEREAS IACP, through its Strategic Plan, asserts that police agencies will have the trust and confidence of their communities2; and
WHEREAS IACP, through its Strategic Plan, asserts that the police profession will be more effective globally as a result of IACP efforts3; and
WHEREAS IACP established Bias-Free Policing, Leadership and Culture, and Community Relations as three of six key focus areas in the Trust Building Campaign4; and
WHEREAS IACP acknowledges that an exemplary policing culture leads to development and retention of high-quality peace officers and supports a core value of policing to protect the vulnerable from harm5; and
WHEREAS IACP recognizes that high-quality peace officers provide reliable and trustworthy community safety and service6; and
WHEREAS IACP recognizes that the erosion of positive culture can lead to compromises and lowering of standards, the loss of trusted community safety and service, and the subsequent loss of an agency’s efficacy7; and
WHEREAS IACP acknowledges that the lack of uniform basic tenets of positive culture leads to deleterious effects and disparities in character, performance, and service outcomes8, it recommends:
ELEMENTS OF POSITIVE POLICE CULTURE 9, 10, 11, 12
- a. Safety and service for all community members;
- b. Clear, acknowledged, and practiced expectations of professional conduct;
- c. Adherence and accountability to law, policy, and ethics;
- d. Leadership actions, communicated through a timeline and demonstrated throughout all levels of the organization, that are sustainable and align with organizational values;
- e. Collaborative engagement with community members, organizations, elected leaders, and peers;
- f. Bias-free and inclusive organizational and policing practices;
- g. Transparency to both internal and external stakeholders;
- h. Deliberate investment in the safety, development, and wellness of organizational members;
- i. Effective bilateral communication throughout the organization including soliciting and valuing input from all levels of the organization; and
- j. Continuous evaluation of the organizational climate to identify needed changes for a healthy police culture and for continuous improvement.
WHEREAS, IACP also acknowledges that agencies across a diverse and international profession may have organizational and regional perspectives on additional elements of a positive culture13; and
WHEREAS, IACP acknowledges agencies will differ in the delivery of leadership and policing services, and that the elements above provides a foundation to establish a consistent set of practices, principles, and purpose14; and
WHEREAS, IACP recognizes the need to focus and standardize public safety organizations’ core elements of positive culture; now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, that the IACP encourages the maturation of each agency’s core tenets of character and service, to advance the Quality of the Policing Culture.
___________________________________
1 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “About IACP,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/about-iacp.
2 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
3 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
4 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “Trust Building Campaign,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/iacp-trust-building-campaign.
5 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “IACP Resolution: Maintaining and Maturing the Quality of the Policing Culture,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/October_2023_IACP_Resolutions.pdf
6 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “IACP Resolution: Maintaining and Maturing the Quality of the Policing Culture,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/October_2023_IACP_Resolutions.pdf
7 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “IACP Resolution: Maintaining and Maturing the Quality of the Policing Culture,” accessed December 23, 2023, https://www.theiacp.org/sites/default/files/October_2023_IACP_Resolutions.pdf
8 Sue Rahr and Stephen K. Rice, “From Warriors to Guardians: Recommitting American Police Culture to Democratic Ideals,” New Perspectives in Policing Bulletin (Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice, 2015).
9 Wesley G. Skogan and Kathleen Frydl, eds., Fairness and Effectiveness in Policing: The Evidence (Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2004).
10 Gary W. Cordner, Community Policing (New York: Oxford University Press, 2014).
11 Tom R. Tyler, “Enhancing Police Legitimacy,” The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 593, no. 1 (2004): 84-99.
12 International Association of Chiefs of Police, “Bias-Free Policing”. Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, January 2021).
13 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
14 International Association of Chiefs of Police, "Strategic Plan." Business Document. (Alexandria, VA: IACP, 2023).
EXPIRED Victim Considerations in the Dissemination of Audio/Video Captured by Law Enforcement
WHEREAS, the use of video and audio recording has grown in law enforcement services during the past decade; and
WHEREAS, video and audio recordings can increase the transparency and accountability of all contacts with law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, police videos released in accordance with freedom of information requests can be made public and used for profit; and
WHEREAS, the importance of transparency and accountability should not be disregarded, yet the rights of victim privacy and the potential impact on the victim should be significantly considered when capturing and/or releasing recordings; and
WHEREAS, public release of video and audio recordings can re-victimize crime victim(s) and impact the physical and psychological healing of victims and witnesses each time it is re-publicized, as well as devastate families and communities overall; and
WHEREAS, partnerships and collaborations with local community and victim advocates organizations can assist law enforcement to gain a better understanding of the impact of audio and video recordings on crime victims; and
WHEREAS, enhancing already established policies and laws to meet new and rapidly changing technology advancements can aid law enforcement with navigating the complexities that arise with the implementation and use of audio and video recordings; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 122nd Annual Conference and Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, recommends that law enforcement leaders collaborate with criminal justice stakeholders, prosecutors and elected officials to enhance or create laws and policies designed to closely regulate the release of law enforcement captured audio and video recordings; and, be it.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that law enforcement leaders, criminal justice stakeholders, prosecutors and elected officials work to balance transparency concerns and the public's right to know, against privacy issues for victims; and prioritize the rights of victims, their family, witnesses, and community members, to protect these individuals from further physical and psychological harm that can occur when audio and video recordings becomes public.
Submitted by: Victim Services Committee, Private Sector Liaison Committee, Crime Prevention Committee, Police Investigative Operations Committee, Community Policing Committee, and
Civil Rights Committee
VSC.009.t15
