What action should be taken if a police officer discovers significant misconduct during an investigation?

When a police officer discovers significant misconduct during an investigation, the correct course of action is to report the findings to their supervisor immediately. This approach is vital because it ensures that the misconduct is addressed through appropriate channels within the law enforcement agency. Supervisors are typically trained to handle such issues and can initiate further investigations or disciplinary actions based on the findings.

Reporting to a supervisor also maintains the integrity of the investigative process, ensuring that proper documentation and procedures are followed. This helps protect the organization and provides an opportunity for accountability and oversight in handling the misconduct, which is particularly important in maintaining public trust in law enforcement.

Handling the situation personally and taking corrective actions may lead to a range of issues, including potential conflicts of interest, inadequately addressing the misconduct, and undermining the department’s protocols. Maintaining confidentiality and moving on fails to address the misconduct and could allow harmful behaviors to persist, affecting both the department and the community. Reporting to external agencies outside of the department may be necessary in some scenarios, but the immediate action should always start with informing a supervisor who can evaluate and escalate the situation appropriately if necessary.