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CJA/474 Case Study: Officer Robert Barton

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CJA/474 Case Study: Officer Robert Barton
Case Study: Officer Robert Barton Will E. James
CJA/474
August 3, 2012
George Williams

Case Study- Officer Robert Barton Officer Robert Barton has high standards and values as a police officer, but he is finding it extremely difficult to continue with that mindset. After obtaining a new position within the gang task force, Officer Barton realizes that there is a subculture of loyalty, secrecy, and conformity. Seeking approval from his new unit, Officer Barton soon abandons his personal values and beliefs to prove his loyalty to the group. Because peer pressure can contribute to group cohesiveness and a negative subculture, having strong leadership within all ranks of a department is vital.
When does group cohesiveness …show more content…
In many cases, the subculture of a unit can be so entrenched that actual department policy is never exercised. Department policy’s need to be explained and taught to every officer in the unit. Clear and decisive policy’s need to be drafted by all members of leadership. If an officer violates policy after they are explained and initiated, leadership needs to make an example out of them. There should be a zero tolerance policy on behalf of the commissioner’s office. In Robert Barton’s case, the police commissioner needs to ensure that an officer has the ability to file a complaint if he or she sees something wrong within a unit without the fear of excommunication.
Conclusion
A subculture with a department can be a harmful thing if the culture violates policy. Officer Robert Barton is afraid to speak up, fearing that he will be excluded from the gang task force. The values and attitudes within the unit have probably been entrenched for several years, and every new member is probably too afraid to go against the grain. Even though the officers know what they are doing is illegal at times, they will continue to do it because that is the
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