Police unions have often benefitted their members in terms of pay and working conditions but increasingly stand in the way of reforms that improve policing and the standing of police in the eyes of local communities.
Key points:
- Police unions have run counter to the best practices of professional law enforcement standards.
- Police unions represent party and political ideologies and no longer represent employees.
- Police unions are designed to enhance membership and survive as an organization.
- Police executives and police officers need to understand their role in the community and how to promote good policing policy.