First-Line Supervisor's Perceptions of Police Integrity: The Measurement of Police Integrity Revisited

• NCJ Number: 223538
• Journal: Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: 2008 Pages: 306-323
• Author(s): Joseph A. Schafer; Thomas J. Martinelli
• Date Published: 2008
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined police supervisors' perceptions of police integrity in a department undergoing a Federal intervention due to allegations of the department's improper conditions of confinement and use of force.

Abstract

The findings show that respondents (478 sergeants and lieutenants) viewed themselves as having stronger integrity than their peers. Supervisors reported viewing officer transgressions more seriously and being more willing to report unethical and illegal officer conduct than other officers in their agency. Supervisors' personal assessment of the severity of unethical conduct portrayed in vignettes were much stricter than the assessment they believed other officers in the agency would have for the same behaviors. A significant proportion of the first-line supervisors felt that the department was not committed to the reform process under the Federal intervention. This perception apparently emerged from supervisors' belief that the Federal agreement overlooked the behavior of upper managers, particularly favoritism, abuse of office, double standards, and dereliction of duty. Since first-line supervisors play key roles in shaping officer conduct, particularly in larger agencies, more consideration should be given to their role in organizational change efforts. Respondents were presented with 11 vignettes that portrayed police behavior that ranged from questionable officer conduct to criminal acts. For each vignette, respondents assessed the seriousness of the behavior, reporting both their personal opinion and their view as to how "most police officers in your agency" would likely assess the action. Respondents also indicated whether or not they would report the transgression. Respondents also reported on the kind of discipline they felt was warranted for each unethical or criminal behavior. 3 tables, 7 notes, 57 references, and appended vignettes