Evaluating Citizen Oversight of Police

Evaluating Citizen Oversight of Police
Brenda A. Buren
January 2007

ISBN-13:  978-1-59332-099-7 / Hardcover
Dimensions:  5.5 x 8.5 / viii, 230 pages

Price   $65.00

Description

Buren provides an in-depth evaluation of a citizen-police oversight mechanism and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the purposes of citizen oversight and the parameters in which it can be developed. She identifies those elements that make some citizen oversight mechanisms more effective than others. Citizen oversight can be a valuable tool in ensuring police accountability, but its success often depends upon the dedication and veracity of those involved in the process. In addition, law enforcement agencies that implement citizen oversight voluntarily--prior to a highly publicized incident--have more success, since the issue is less politicized and more time is spent developing a quality process.

About the Author

Brenda A. Buren manages the administrative, financial, and research functions of the Tempe, Arizona Police Department. She holds a Ph.D. from Arizona State University in Public Administration with emphasis on public management and program evaluation, and also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University.