NCJ Number
74304
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (1980) Pages: 189-207
Date Published
1980
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The relative job satisfaction of policemen in the Canadian city of Regina (Sask.,) was assessed to provide baseline data to compare with a followup study of job satisfaction after the implementation of zone policing.
Abstract
Questionnaires were distributed to 279 of the 304 members of the Regina Police Department (RPD) in all divisions and at all ranks; 278 were returned. Some of the items on the questionnaire were designed to generate data on the respondents' background such as age, sex, marital status, educational level, rank, and length of service. The other 75 items were statements relating to job satisfaction with which the respondents were asked to strongly agree, disagree, or strongly disagree. Responses to the descriptive information portion of the questionnaire were used to construct a profile of police officers in the RPD. The responses to the job satisfaction statements were grouped into nine factors, and analyzed through factor analysis and simple additive scales. The job satisfaction scale scores were correlated with the respondents' descriptive characteristics to determine the relationships between levels of job satisfaction and respondents' characteristics. Generally positive attitudes were found in the areas of personal supports and pride in police work; organizational support, the openness of personal communication, the existence of a cooperative orientation, departmental organization, and the emphasis on practical considerations were viewed as problem areas. Feelings were mixed on the subjects of the effects of police work on personal relationships, the extent of powerlessness, and employment security. The same problems were not identified by all respondents; personal characteristics and position affected levels of job satisfaction. Senior officers remarked most often on problems with personal and organizational supports and openness of communication, while newer police officers did not perceive these problems as major ones. Those in the middle of the rank structure were more dissatisfied in every dimension of job satisfaction, except effect of police work on personal relationships, than were the other respondents. This data will be used in a 1981 followup study on job satisfaction following implementation of zone policing in Regina. Replication of the study elsewhere, especially by organizations other than police departments, is encouraged. Data tables are included.