NCJ Number
39286
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (DECEMBER 1976) Pages: 436-444
Date Published
1976
Length
9 pages
Annotation
RESULTS OF A 3-MONTH STUDY, USING POLICE OFFICERS IN THE SOUTH JERSEY AREA, TO DETERMINE HOW POLICEMEN PERCEIVE CHANGES IN THEIR WORK.
Abstract
THE QUESTIONNAIRE THAT WAS DISTRIBUTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STUDY FOCUSED ON SEVERAL VARIABLES THAT MAY BE DETERMINANTS OF OCCUPATIONAL CHANGES: RECRUITMENT, PERSONAL PRIDE, AND JOB SATISFACTION. TABLES PRESENTING SIGNIFICANT DATA AND STATEMENTS BY THE OFFICERS WHO WERE QUESTIONED ARE INCLUDED IN THE ARTICLE. PRIDE, SELF-ESTEEM, AND A HIGH LEVEL OF JOB SATISFACTION DESCRIBE THE RESPONSES OF MOST POLICEMEN IN THE STUDY. THE LEAST DESIRABLE ASPECTS OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER ARE DUTIES THAT WASTE AN OFFICER'S TIME AND TALENTS AND 'POLITICS' WITHIN DEPARTMENTS. CHANGES ARE EXPECTED TO OCCUR WITHIN POLICE DEPARTMENTS AS YOUNGER, MORE PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS GRAPPLE WITH THEIR MORE TRADITIONAL COUNTERPARTS FOR MORE AUTONOMY AND FEWER BUREAUCRATIC RULES. IT IS FURTHER EXPECTED THAT THIS 'NEW BREED' OF POLICE OFFICER WILL MAKE DEMANDS FOR A MORE PROFESSIONAL STATUS AND, SINCE HE VIEWS HIMSELF WITH INCREASED ESTEEM, WILL HAVE A GREATER EXPECTATION FOR PUBLIC RESPECT AND COOPERATION. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...KAP