VICTIMS, PERSECUTORS AND RESCUERS - A CHALLENGE TO POLICE PERFORMANCE

• NCJ Number: 25382
• Journal: Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: (MARCH 1975) Pages: 33-37
• Author(s): C P MCDOWELL
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: International Assoc of Chiefs of Police
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

EXPLANATION OF POLICE-CITIZEN CONTACTS USING TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS, THE STUDY OF THE TRANSACTIONS AMONG AND BETWEEN PEOPLE, THE REASONS FOR THEM, AND THEIR OUTCOMES.

Abstract

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS THEORY HOLDS THAT LIFE IS LIKE A DRAMA IN WHICH PEOPLE PLAY ROLES, SOME OF WHICH ARE MANIPULATIVE. THE THREE MANIPULATIVE ROLES DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE PERSECUTOR (ONE WHO SETS UNNECESSARILY STRICT LIMITS ON BEHAVIOR OR IS CHARGED WITH ENFORCING THE RULES BUT DOES SO WITH SADISTIC BRUTALITY); THE RESCUER (ONE WHO, IN THE GUISE OF BEING HELPFUL, KEEPS ANOTHER DEPENDENT UPON HIM); AND THE VICTIM (A PERSON WHO CLAIMS TO BE WRONGLY DENIED SOMETHING SO THAT HE NEED NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS OWN SHORTCOMINGS). THE AUTHOR MAINTAINS THAT THE POLICE CAN RECOGNIZE THE GENERAL ROLES BEING PLAYED BY THE PEOPLE WITH WHOM THEY DEAL, AND CAN USE THESE 'STIMULI' AS A BASIS FOR THEIR RESPONSE.