NCJ Number
94744
Journal
Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1984) Pages: 1-11
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Having police officers wear civilian style blazer uniforms instead of traditional uniforms does not reduce the number of assaults on police or arrests for resisting arrest, but it does result in less favorable citizen perceptions of the police.
Abstract
From 1969 through 1977 the police in Menlo Park, Calif., changed their paramilitary uniforms for dress slacks and fraternity style blazers. Contrary to an early report, the blazer did not have a positive effect on citizen behavior. An experimental study was conducted separately, in which six student volunteers viewed police officers wearing either the traditional blue uniform, the traditional khaki uniform worn by sheriff's offices, or a blazer uniform. The same police models were photographed in each type of uniform, and the students viewed sets of three different police officers. The subjects were blind to the study hypothesis. They rated each officer on 12 characteristics reflecting several aspects of the police officer's role. Subjects rated the officers wearing blazers as significantly less competent and active and no more friendly or warm than those in traditional uniforms. Figure and 21 references.