NCJ Number
7255
Date Published
1968
Length
368 pages
Annotation
EXAMINATION OF THE FACTORS AND INFLUENCES WHICH AFFECT THE UNIFORMED POLICEMAN'S DECISION TO ARREST.
Abstract
THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR OF TWO SPECIALIZED UNIFORMED POLICE GROUPS, PATROL OFFICERS AND TRAFFIC OFFICERS, IN A PARTICULAR POLICE DEPARTMENT. ON THE BASIS OF INTERVIEWS AND PERSONAL OBSERVATION, THE AUTHOR INVESTIGATES THE ROLE OF THE UNIFORMED POLICEMAN IN THE COMMUNITY AND IDENTIFIES THE VARIETY OF INFLUENCES THAT ENTER INTO HIS DECISION TO MAKE OR NOT MAKE AN ARREST. THE AUTHOR NOTES THAT THE POLICEMAN, IN MANY CIRCUMSTANCES, MAKES DECISIONS THAT EMPHASIZE NONLEGAL AS OPPOSED TO LEGAL CONTROLS. THE STUDY ULTIMATELY ATTEMPTS TO DETERMINE THE INFLUENCE OF UNIFORMED OFFICER'S ADHERENCE TO GROUP NORMS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GROUP NORMS ON HIS DISCRETIONARY DECISIONS.