Police protective custody: A systemic predictive model for police decision making and the reduction of referrals

Abstract

Purpose

To document the police protective custody (PPC) process and in doing so develop a predictive model to better inform police decision makers on the factors that are more likely to result in the state maintaining custody of a child.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the current study were gathered through a series of focus groups and 6,607 existing records of PPC admissions into a children's home in the Wichita Children's Home (WCH) (Kansas). Systematic predictive modeling (logistic regression) was used to differentiate between children that are likely to need continued involvement of the child welfare system and those who could remain in the custody of their families.

Findings

Documents the PPC process by which a child is referred to be housed by WCH by a law enforcement agency. Reports on the design of a decision model which identifies the factors affecting the outcome of the PPC process.

Originality/value

Provides recommendations for streamlining the PPC process as well as the improvement of police policies and procedures.

Citation

Withrow, B.L. and Bolin, B. (2005), "Police protective custody: A systemic predictive model for police decision making and the reduction of referrals", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 28 No. 3, pp. 473-492. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639510510614564