NCJ Number
97357
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 2 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1985) Pages: 89-98
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper reexamines James Q. Wilson's theory that police behavior is constrained by political culture.
Abstract
Using 1975 FBI arrest data and data published in the International City Management Association's Municipal Yearbook, Wilson's test of his theory is replicated. In addition to comparing mean arrest rates, attention is paid to intercity arrest rate variability. Although the comparison of mean arrest rates confirms Wilson's empirical findings, examination of variability indicates that Wilson's theory is a theory of central tendency, not a theory of constraints. Two references are listed. (Author abstract modified)