A methodological study to create a reliable and valid instrument to measure police officer trust in the internal affairs process

This study examines the law enforcement internal affairs investigation process. The study develops a valid and reliable instrument that can measure police officer trust in internal affairs. Factor analysis identified four subgroups essential to employee trust in internal affairs: these are impartiality, professionalism, due process and timeliness. A measurement instrument is developed for these subgroups using twenty reliable, validated questions. The volume of citizens' complaints reported in California during 1989-1995 is examined. Criminal and non-criminal complaints are examined to distinguish between corruption and misconduct. Sustained complaints are compared to indicators of police activity to determine a potential ratio of dissatisfaction. A micro-examination of one specific agency is conducted to better identify the volume of citizen complaints as a ratio of police officer contacts with the public. The result is a dissatisfaction rate that is less than.0008% Survey research and interviews compile extensive anecdotal information pertaining to internal affairs and the trust factor. Narrative responses from each survey conducted are analyzed for common themes which are identified in the dissertation. Interviews with eight leading employee legal defense attorneys or representatives identify their concerns and recommendations for improving trust in the internal affairs process. Sixteen internal affairs case studies are examined which indicate investigator and agency actions that militate against employee trust. The writings of seminal authors and police authorities on trust are reviewed. The limited previous empirical work is explored and recommendations are made concerning continued empirical development of the study of trust in several components of the law enforcement mission. The law enforcement command and control paradigm is examined with recommended organizational and cultural changes to improve employee trust. The methodology used to identify the trust factors in the internal affairs process is outlined. The survey research accomplished to identify the initial trust factors is described, and the process of factor analysis resulting in the four subgroups and specific tests for reliability and validity is explained. The model instrument and its potential for further research and implementation are explored.