What does internal department discipline typically involve?

Internal department discipline typically involves private reprimands. This process is designed to address misconduct or violations of department policies within a controlled and confidential environment, ensuring that the focus is on correcting behavior and maintaining the integrity of the department.

Private reprimands allow for a direct and constructive conversation between supervisors and officers, which aims to improve future conduct without the need for public exposure or escalation to more severe consequences. The confidential nature of this discipline helps to protect the officer’s reputation and maintains the morale of the department, while also allowing for due process and the opportunity for correction before more severe measures are taken.

In contrast, public trials, criminal prosecution, and community service are either external processes or forms of punishment that do not fit the purpose of internal discipline, which is primarily focused on remediation rather than punitive action.