NCJ Number
132280
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: (1991) Pages: 95-117
Date Published
1991
Length
23 pages
Annotation
The motivations, attitudes, perceptions, values, and beliefs of Canadian police recruits are examined as well as how these change as the new police officers proceed through the first 2 or 3 years of socialization into the police culture.
Abstract
A "snapshot" approach was adopted for this study by sampling attitudes and beliefs of different groups of police recruits in different recruit training institutions at selected stages of training and subsequent employment, using a structured paper-and-pencil questionnaire. A total of 592 surveys were gathered. Results indicated that new police recruits bring a fairly consistent set of attitudes, beliefs, and values concerning policing with them as they approach and enter a policing career. It is also apparent that these attitudes undergo change in a consistent fashion. Some of these changes are disturbing since they suggest that, if it is true that police develop a sense of alienation and cynicism concerning their role and place in society, it sets in early -- possibly as early as the first block of formal training. Alienation from police management is also apparent. Results suggest that the patrol function is still not closely associated with contact with the community and, as a long-term development path, ranks with administration. 10 tables and 6 references