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Police accountability involves holding both individual police officers, as well as law enforcement agencies responsible for effectively delivering basic services of crime control and maintaining order, while treating individuals fairly and within the bounds of law. Police are expected to uphold laws, regarding due process, search and seizure, arrests, discrimination, as well as other laws relating to equal employment, sexual harassment, etc. In a democratic society, the political process and elected officials serve to keep the police accountable and that they reflect the "will of the people".〔Walker (2005), pp. 7-8〕 In turn, holding police accountable is important for maintaining the public's "faith in the system".〔Walker (2005) p. 42〕 ==Police reform in the United States== (詳細はWickersham Commission, that spelled out reforms but left to the police to implement them, often with limited success. A series of U.S. Supreme Court decisions under the Warren Court led to important changes in policing, with respect to civil rights and constitutional law. ''Mapp v. Ohio'' in 1961 and ''Miranda v. Arizona'' in 1966 were two highly influential court decisions.〔Walker (2005) p. 29〕 ''Mapp v. Ohio'' found that evidence obtained in violation of the Fourth Amendment protection against "unreasonable searches and seizures" may not be used in criminal prosecutions. ''Miranda v. Arizona'' required that criminal suspects must be informed of their right to consult with an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police. These decisions began to set national standards for policing.〔Walker (2005) p. 30〕 Special commissions, such as the Knapp Commission in New York City during the 1970s, have been used to bring about changes in law enforcement agencies.〔Walker (2005) p. 20〕 Civilian review boards (permanent external oversight agencies) have also been used as a means for improving police accountability. Civilian review boards tend to focus on individual complaints, rather than broader organizational issues that may result in long-term improvements.〔Walker (2005) p. 37〕 The 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act authorized the United States Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division to bring civil ("pattern or practice") suits against local law enforcement agencies, to reign in abuses and hold them accountable.〔(【引用サイトリンク】title=Department of Justice Police Misconduct Pattern or Practice Program (FAQ) )〕 As a result, numerous departments have entered into consent decrees or memoranda of understanding, requiring them to make organizational reforms.〔Walker (2005), p. 5〕 This approach shifts focus from individual officers to placing focus on police organizations. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Police accountability」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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