Effective management of serious police misconduct: A machine learning analysis

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Abstract

There are a range of management strategies available to police agencies to prevent serious misconduct. While many of these strategies are well accepted practice, there is limited empirical evidence demonstrating their effectiveness.

This study uses partial dependence plots to explore management strategies which have been identified as either increasing or decreasing risk of serious police misconduct. These include the provision of awards or complimentary remarks to officers, remedial action resulting from sustained complaints, and transfers between workplaces.

Expedient and opportune complaint resolution processes at a local level, positive behavioural reinforcement, and having a diverse range of career opportunities help prevent serious misconduct by police officers.

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