Police Whistle-blowing

What is it about?

Given the police code of silence and the possibility of retaliation for ratting out their fellow officers, what makes police choose to report the misconduct of their colleagues? This paper explores research regarding the frequency of police whistle-blowing, as well as factors that make it more likely that police will disclose the misbehavior of their peers. In addition, it contains a discussion of policies that police agencies can institute to increase whistle-blowing among their ranks.

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Why is it important?

Police rely on the public’s trust to effectively enforce the laws and investigate crimes. At the same time, police are the only entity in society that has the authority to use force against the public. In recent months and years, the media has reported on numerous cases in which police officers have shot and killed members of the public. A disproportionate number of individuals killed by police have been unarmed, mentally ill, and/or people of color. As a result, some segments of the public are losing (or continuing to lose) trust in the integrity of the police. Therefore, the willingness of police officers to blow the whistle has important implications for police-community relations.