Czech Police Officers: An Exploratory Study of Police Attitudes in an Emerging Democracy

• NCJ Number: 208288
• Journal: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 592-614
• Author(s): Matthew S. Crow; Tara O'Connor Shelley; Laura E. Bedard; Marc Gertz
• Editor(s): Lawrence F. Travis III
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the attitudes of Czech police officers regarding crime and criminal justice policies, police and government involvement, and police practices, such as community policing.

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the purpose of Czech policing changed from one of protecting the interests of the communist state to protecting citizens and maintaining public order. Under the new democratic government, the police became accountable to the public. Using an exploratory approach, this study utilized a survey to examine the attitudes of 70 Czech police officers regarding crime and criminal justice policies, police and government involvement in social and order maintenance problems, and police practices in the Czech Republic, such as community policing. A significant finding was the seemingly inconsistent views of the officers. In some areas, officers exhibited relatively liberal views but for other issues their attitudes could be considered conservative. This study was viewed as informative and can serve as a guide to more in-depth research. References