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Cited by 4Policing Practices and PerceptionsPublic Policy and Administration ResearchLaw, Economics, and Judicial Systems

A political-economic model of police administration

Clark, Tom S.·2024·The Journal of Politics
DOI 10.1086/729933
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Abstract

A primary challenge for the administration of public safety is the implementation of policy that facilitates effective policing and satisfies political pressure over outcomes. I develop a model of police administration that captures the tension between policing outcomes and policing tactics. The model evaluates how police officers’ incentives to violate policy limits on their behavior complicate delegation by leaders. Police leaders are motivated to provide discretion so officers may use appropriate tactics for whatever situation they face but also motivated to ensure that police do not abuse discretion and comply with limits on their behavior. I use the model to study the effects of political control of policing policy and insulation of police officers from accountability.

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Crossref · 10.1086/729933

Cites

31 of 31 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Police chiefs are institutionally inclined to clear most misconduct allegations.

    “Chiefs are institutionally inclined to clear most misconduct allegations (11)”

    From Does civilian oversight impact police legitimacy? (2025) · cites this paper as [11]

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Authors
Clark, T. S.
Affiliations
University of Chicago (US)
Corresponding author
Clark, Tom S.
ORCID
Clark, Tom S.
Venue
The Journal of Politics
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Published
2024-10-01
Volume
86
Issue
4
Pages
1462-1478
ISSN
  • 0022-3816 (ISSN-L)
  • 1468-2508
DOI
10.1086/729933
OpenAlex
W4391886412
Cited by
4
References
31
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2
FWCI
6.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
The Journal of Politics (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Policing Practices and Perceptions
  • Social Sciences › Public Administration › Public Policy and Administration Research
  • Social Sciences › Economics, Econometrics and Finance › Economics and Econometrics › Law, Economics, and Judicial Systems
Keywords
police administration, police discretion, police accountability, delegation, police tactics, policy compliance, public safety policy

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