Resolving the problem: Examining officer characteristics possibly linked to mediation selection in police oversight agencies
| Author | Cynthia-Lee Williams |
| Date | 01 September 2021 |
| Published date | 01 September 2021 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X20946806 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
2021, Vol. 94(3) 388 –405
Article
Resolving the problem:
Examining officer
characteristics possibly
linked to mediation
selection in police
oversight agencies
Cynthia-Lee Williams
William Paterson University, USA
Abstract
Currently, research that examines mediation within independent police oversight
agencies are quite scarce. The few studies that analyze this process focus on civilian
satisfaction. This study adds to existing research by determining which subject
officer characteristic is linked to mediation selection. Specifically, the characteristics
examined are the officer’s race, gender, and years of service. Intersections of police
characteristics are also examined. Quantitative methods is employed to analyze
CCRB data covering the years of 2007 to 2012. Chi-square tests and independent
sample t-test are used to uncover bivariate relationships. Binary Logistic regression
was used to control for some of the police characteristics and to test for inter-
actions. The overall objective of mediation is to strengthen police ties with the
community. Revealing possible correlates of mediation selection may help authori-
ties allocate resources to the proper channels, thus, ultimately helping the police
improve their relationship with the public.
Keywords
Mediation within civilian oversight agencies, police-community relations, policing
in urban communities
Corresponding author:
Cynthia-Lee Williams, William Paterson University of New Jersey 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470, USA.
Email: Williamsc77@wpunj.edu
The Police Journal:
Theory, Practice and Principles
ªThe Author(s) 2020
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DOI: 10.1177/0032258X20946806
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Williams 389
Introduction
Police misconduct in the United States has existed since the early formation of US law
enforcement. Since the 1960s, in response to growing public concerns, most US cities
have established some form of civilian oversight agency to investigate police complaints
and regulate police behavior. Independent police oversight complaint agencies cover
approximately 80%of the largest Americ an cities to serve *1/3 of the overall US
population (Perino, 2004). Proponents of these agencies view them as an effective and
inexpensive method to resolve citizen complaints. Furthermore, advocates believe that
this approach promotes police accountability and strengthens the public’s confidence in
the police (Littlejohn, 1981).
Most civilian oversight agencies investigate allegations of force, abuse of authority,
discourtesy, and offensive language. Possible punishments for substantiated cases range
from no punishment (a warning), loss of vacation time, suspension, and termination
(Walker, 1997). Several of these agencies offer mediation as an alternative to the inves-
tigation process. In mediation, the complaining party and the subject officer participate
in a face-to-face meeting to resolve a complaint. The meeting is facilitated by a neutral
mediator and concludes when both pa rties agree that a resolution has bee n reached
(Walker et al., 2002; Maguire and Corbett, 1991; Maxwell, 1994). Mediation is a vol-
untary process that allows for a safe environment where both the complainant and the
subject officer can voice their concerns about an unpleasant encounter (Folberg and
Taylor, 1984). The objective of this process focuses on conflict resolution rather than
punishment. The statements made by the complainant and subject officer cannot be used
in legal proceedings, thus allowing for a free and open dialogue (Walker et al., 2002).
Currently, research that examines mediation within independent police oversight
agencies is quite scarce, and the few studies that have analyzed this process focus on
civilian satisfaction. This emphasis on civilian satisfaction is much needed, as it provides
insight into the effectiveness of mediation; however, studies have yet to identify pre-
dictors of mediation selection. In efforts to address a gap in the mediation literature, this
study builds upon existing research by determining subject officer characteristics that are
associated with complainants who reject or accept mediation participation within civil-
ian oversight agencies. Specifically, this study seeks to uncover, ‘What subject officer
characteristic (s) is linked to mediation selection?’ The study examines the officer’s race,
gender, and years of service as possible determinants. In an attempt to gain insight into
possible predictors of mediation selection, this research considers literature examining
possible fragmentations in police personality. Quantitative methods are employed to
analyze CCRB data covering the years of 2007–2012. Chi-square and independent
sample t-tests are used to evaluate bivariate relationships. Furthermore, binary logistic
regression was used to control for several police characteristics and to test for
interactions.
This study is important because identifying correlates of mediation selection within
civilian oversight agencies may ultimately help to strengthen the relationship between
the public and police. Acts of police misconduct have been prevalent since the formation
of the police force in the United States. Some officers defy the codes of police conduct
and engage in behaviors that violate the rights of citizens. Furthermore, since the 1960s,
2The Police Journal: Theory, Practice and Principles XX(X)
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