In a Pig's Eye - A Study To Examine Police Officers' Views, Attitudes, and Opinions Toward Themselves, Their Own Profession, and Society at Large

• NCJ Number: 89381
• Author(s): J L Westbrook
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 308 pages
• Sale Source: UMI Dissertation Services
• Publication Type: Thesis/Dissertation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Golden Gate University - doctoral dissertation.

Annotation

Police officers in Oakland, Calif., expressed positive views of their images as police officers and of citizen support for the police department.

Abstract

The case study sought to develop an understanding of police attitudes, values, and opinions in order that they could be better employed to solve problems. Questionnaires and personal interviews with 48 officers were used. Variables included sex, race, age, length of service, and rank. Most respondents believed that internal bureaucratic problems were more important than external problems, with the most pressing internal problem being dissatisfaction with police administration. Despite this dissatisfaction, respondents were mainly opposed to outside unions and strikes. The main external problem was the courts. A large majority of respondents supported capital punishment and held that punishment of criminals should be severe. Also, many officers believed that the courts should be forced to accept responsibility for the high crime rate. Views on affirmative action varied according to respondents, race and sex, with black officers favoring preferential treatment and most other officers against it. Tables, footnotes, study instruments, and over 90 references are supplied. (Author abstract modified)