Progressive Discipline in Law Enforcement Organizations

Law enforcement organizations have a legal obligation to ensure that their officers are acting appropriately, within the scope of the law. Conduct of law enforcement officers is regulated by department policy, department procedure, and statutory laws from all levels of government. When officers violate policies or statutes, administrators have a responsibility to ensure that corrective action is taken to curtail deficient behavior. In doing so, law enforcement organizations should utilize a progressive discipline policy in correcting employee disciplinary infractions. Agency policy should also have safeguards to prevent unintended negative consequences during the disciplinary process.