NCJ Number
4533
Journal
ISSUES IN CRIMINOLOGY Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: (WINTER 1972) Pages: 102-119
Date Published
1972
Length
18 pages
Annotation
ANALYSIS IS MADE OF THE CONFLICTING PERCEPTIONS OF THE POLICE ROLE BY CITIZENS AND POLICE THEMSELVES. A BETTER DEFINITION OF THE POLICE ROLE IS CRUCIAL TO IMPROVED POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS.
Abstract
POLICE CONCEIVE THEIR TWO MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS TO BE PROTECTING THE SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAWS. WHILE POLICE PRACTICES AND PERSONNEL REVIEW PROCEDURES EMPHASIZE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ROLE, MOST POLICE OFFICERS SPEND THE MAJOR PART OF THEIR TIME KEEPING THE PEACE RATHER THAN APPREHENDING CRIMINALS. THE RESULTING ROLE CONFLICT IS FURTHER AGGRAVATED BY CITIZEN DEMANDS FOR NON-CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES. THE PUBLIC ASKS THE POLICE TO PERFORM THE FUNCTIONS OF FAMILY COUNSELORS, OBSTETRICIANS, AND AGENTS OF SOCIALIZATION FOR POTENTIAL DELINQUENTS. THIS MIXTURE OF ENFORCEMENT AND SERVICE FUNCTIONS CREATES FURTHER CONFLICTS AND RESULTS IN ADVERSARY ENCOUNTERS WHICH ALMOST NEUTRALIZE THE GAINS OF POLICE-COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAMS. ONE OF THE REASONS WHY POLICE-CITIZEN INTERACTIONS TAKE ON SUCH AN ADVERSARY CHARACTER IS THAT POLICE OFFICERS OFTEN CONFUSE THE WORDS 'FEAR' AND 'RESPECT.' TO BE FEARED DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY INDICATE THAT ONE IS RESPECTED; NOR DOES RESPECT NECESSARILY INVOLVE FEAR. MANY POLICE OFFICERS, HOWEVER, BELIEVE FEAR DOES TEND TO PRECEDE RESPECT. THE PROBLEMS OF ROLE CONFLICT MANIFESTED BY MANY POLICE-CITIZEN INTERACTIONS SUGGEST THAT STRUCTURAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEFICIENCIES MUST BE ADDRESSED BEFORE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS CAN IMPROVE. REFERENCES ARE CITED. (KBL)