Police Accountability, Risk Management, and Legal Advising

Book excerpt: Archbold presents the findings of the first nationwide study of the use of risk mangement and police legal advising in some of the largest police agencies in the United States. She discusses the prevalence of risk managers and police legal advisors, factors associated with the adoption, role, and perceived impact of such programs on police liability, professionalism, and accountability. Archbold finds that most law enforcement agencies have adopted police legal advisors and/or risk managers in order to respond to the changes in their work environment. These legal advisors and risk managers work together with police management to modify department policies, training, and supervision over line officers with the aim of reducing liability risks.