Strategies for Intervening with Officers through Early Intervention Systems: A Guide for Front-Line Supervisors

摘要

Within law enforcement agencies, supervisors, especially first-line supervisors, occupy a critical position asked to be community problem solvers, managers, counselors, teachers, and leaders all at once. Their ultimate responsibility, however, is to serve the public by ensuring that the actions of officers on the street are appropriate, ethical, and in accord with department policies and procedures. The vast majority of officers conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism and dedication to their job. Yet, there remains a small number of officers who engage in inappropriate conduct, which must be addressed at the earliest opportunity. In many cases it is the first-line supervisor who is in a position to first identify and address potentially problematic behaviors. These supervisors need the tools and support to effectively prevent and address such behaviors. Many law enforcement agencies of all sizes and types are adopting early intervention systems (EIS), which are a more formal tool to assist supervisors in identifying officers at risk of engaging in conduct that can be harmful to the officer, agency, or public.