NCJ Number
214017
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2006 Pages: 163-175
Date Published
2006
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined the presumed underestimation of African-American law enforcement executives in their leadership roles.
Abstract
African-American law enforcement executives were found not to experience widespread marginalization when describing present relations with members of important professional, social, and personal reference/support groups. African-American law enforcement executives were found to be more socially well-adjusted and integrated in their leadership roles than anticipated. Additional examination of the unexpected departures from logically derived hypotheses will yield a more complete understanding about a growing population which has received limited empirical or scholarly attention. As more and more African-Americans assume leadership and executive roles within the field of law enforcement, a better understanding of their beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes regarding a variety of race-related issues likely to affect the evolution of future personnel practices within law enforcement is extremely important. This study examined sources of strain as experienced by African-American law enforcement executives. It was thought that upon promotion African-American executives would encounter social and professional marginalization from sources such as subordinate personnel of both races, White supervisory peers, members of the African-American community, and family or friends. The study sample consisted of 123 command and executive personnel holding membership in the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). References