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the case, the results may rise to the level of tampering or unduly influencing the <br />investigation. It must be noted the review team had no independent verification of <br />this practice or evidence that it occurred other than these reports during several <br />interviews. Nonetheless, several of the people interviewed reported that they felt <br />intimidated by HR personnel. <br /> <br />It was reported that on two occasions, sergeants were directed by Human Resource <br />Services to respond the officers' homes to effect a dismissal from the department. <br />This practice raises serious concerns as to the efficacy of the process and also the role <br />of the police chief in issues internal to his department. Additionally, the pressure on <br />those supervisory officers was deemed excessive and unwarranted. <br /> <br />Given the observation that some investigations, in the past, may have suffered from <br />insufficient supervisory review in the areas of conclusions and discipline, there may <br />have been a benefit to external input. This is no longer the case. Given the current <br />police chief's demand for more supervisory and managerial accountability, an <br />increased level of involvement by senior managers in both the investigative and <br />discipline phases of the process is essential. <br /> <br /> Recommendation No. 53: The department should have a fully staffed IA unit, <br /> commanded by a captain. <br /> <br /> Discussion: Performance related matters and minor policy infractions are best <br /> handled by immediate supervisors whenever possible. These tasks are part of <br /> supervision. Since more serious matters may even reflect on the officer's <br /> supervisor, an unbiased investigation is essential. This typically falls to the IA <br /> unit. As funding permits, the unit should be increased to also include a <br /> lieutenant, two sergeants, and sufficient clerical assistance to permit timely <br /> data entry and maintenance of an early warning system to track complaints <br /> <br /> 82 <br /> <br /> <br />