NCJ Number
9583
Journal
Journal of California Law Enforcement Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (JANUARY 1973) Pages: 98-100
Date Published
1973
Length
3 pages
Annotation
RESULTS OF A STUDY OF DIFFERENCES OF OPINION REGARDING THE SOCIAL MEANING OF THE POLICE UNIFORM AMONG SEVEN DISTINCT GROUPS OF CITIZENS IN A SOUTHWESTERN CITY.
Abstract
RESPONDENTS WERE ASKED TO RANK EACH OF SIX REASONS WHY POLICEMEN WEAR UNIFORMS. ALL GROUPS GAVE HIGH RANKINGS TO VISIBILITY, PUBLIC SECURITY AND CRIME PREVENTION AND LOW RANKINGS TO THE PRIDE IN WORK, AUTHORITY AND SUPERIORITY. THIS SUGGESTS THAT THE PUBLIC'S PERCEPTION OF THE UNIFORM'S SOCIAL CONTROL MEANING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PERCEPTION OF ITS MEANING TO THE WEARER. NO DIFFERENCES OF OPINION ACCORDING TO RACE OR SEX WERE FOUND. SLIGHT DIFFERENCES DID EXIST BETWEEN SUCH GROUPS AS HIGH SCHOOL BLACKS AND AUXILIARY (NON-PAID VOLUNTEER) POLICE. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED).