2007-01-07 22:42:29 · 5 answers · asked by lwhitlam1 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Good question, as recent events with the killing of the Brazilian in the tube station prove a lack of accountability.
2007-01-07 22:47:21 · answer #1 · answered by James Mack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The police are given their authority by statute. Every US state and every country have specific laws that tell the police what they can do. But not every single activity is covered. It would be impossible. So in the US police behavior is then modified by court decisions. For example, the reason the police have to give you your rights was first determined by a court decision called Miranda vs. Arizona.
That is a very simple version but is accurate. Police activity is further controlled by the government body in charge of your jurisdiction. If it is a local agency then the local government controls. There might be a police commission, there may be a strong mayor, it changes from city to city. But most importantly police activity is controlled by you the voter and taxpayer. If you see something you don't like speak up. Go to your local or state government and make your voice heard.
Remember, attitude is a choice. This is from a cop with 32 years of experience
2007-01-08 09:35:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK the police are controlled by a number of laws and statutes which dictate what they can and can't do. There are various 'Police Acts', but the main law which determines how investigations are carried out is the Police and Criminal Law Act 1984, known as 'PACE'.
Despite what the cynics say we are very accountable for our actions and the vast majority of officers are honest people trying to do a difficult job, knowing that the decisions that they make in a split second could end up being interminably discussed and debated by the press and public at their leisure.
I'm not saying we're all angels - I've worked in our complaints and discipline department, so I know how cops can get it very wrong sometimes, but their usually honest, human mistakes.
The bottom line is that we swear to protect everyone, 'without fear or favour, malice or ill-will' and that's the guiding principle behind police work.
2007-01-11 20:37:08 · answer #3 · answered by Hilary Y 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Activities of police is controlled my the Constitution of the United States, State law, and the ordinances of the local units of government.
2007-01-08 15:11:01 · answer #4 · answered by Keith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are suppose to act within the law, but its seems they change the rules to suit themselves
2007-01-09 13:28:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋