Disciplinary action should ideally be characterized as:

Characterizing disciplinary action as both proactive and reactive is essential for promoting effective management and organizational health within law enforcement agencies. Proactive measures involve preventing misconduct before it occurs, which can include training, creating clear expectations, and fostering a culture of accountability and ethics. By educating officers and staff about conduct standards and the consequences of violations, departments can reduce incidents of misconduct overall.

On the other hand, reactive measures are equally important and come into play when an infraction or misconduct has already occurred. This includes enforcing policies, conducting investigations, and applying appropriate disciplinary measures to address behavior that goes against departmental standards. This dual approach ensures that organizations do not just wait for issues to arise but actively work to mitigate risks while also responding appropriately to violations when they occur.

This comprehensive approach to disciplinary action is vital for maintaining integrity, improving community trust, and upholding the standards within the department, making it crucial to view disciplinary actions as both proactive and reactive.