A Survey of Innovations in the Development and Maintenance of Ethical Standards by Australian Police Departments

Abstract

This paper examines Australian responses to the problem of police misconduct in terms of three models of integrity development: minimalist, intermediate and advanced. A survey was conducted of the eight main police departments in order to identify current strategies to prevent corruption and maximize ethical conduct. The survey found a variety of innovative programmes in operation including targeted integrity testing, drug and alcohol testing, and complaint profiling. However, no department reported a comprehensive programme of integrity development and maintenance. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse strategies in an advanced model of integrity management.