NCJ Number
211058
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 269-278
Date Published
2005
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between burnout and job stress and police officers’ attitudes towards the use of force and attitudes towards the use of social skills to solve problems.
Abstract
Research has shown that burnout is related to cognitive and behavioral withdrawal, as well as more negative attitudes. Research has also shown that burned out police officers will exhibit a more negative mood and react to civilians more negatively reducing problem solving skills and increasing the likelihood of the use of force. This study examined the relationship of job demands and burnout with attitudes towards the use of force and social skills. Data were collected from 766 police officers in Norway using anonymously completed questionnaires. Findings indicate that higher levels of job demands held more positive attitudes towards the use of force, police officers indicating higher levels of cynicism held more favorable attitudes towards the use of force, and police officers reporting higher levels of personal efficacy gave higher priority to the use of social skills to solve policing-related problems. There was no relationship indicated of job stressors and police attitudes towards the use of force or the use of social skills. Tables, references