An Interdependency Model for Police Executive Relationships

The history of Australian policing is replete with conflicts between police ministers and police commissioners. These conflicts, it is argued, can be attributed to two diametrically opposed relationship models — ‘dependency’ and ‘independency’. This paper contrasts a ‘dependency’ model that gives the minister overall control of policing, with a model of ‘independency’ that reflects the operational independence of the commissioner. Interwoven aspects of these two notions often become part of the general machinery of government. This article argues that the inherent conflict between ministers and commissioners can be overcome by the application of an ‘interdependency’ relationship model which clarifies positional roles, acknowledges the complexities of the policing mandate, and facilitates agreement between the parties on how to achieve balance between law enforcement and the maintenance of public order.