NCJ Number
99919
Journal
Canadian Police College Journal Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (1985) Pages: 154-206
Date Published
1985
Length
55 pages
Annotation
This first part of a two-part report on career development in the Canadian municipal police presents study methodology, manpower analysis results, and a questionnaire, together with a literature review.
Abstract
The overall objective of the studies was to examine systematically the career patterns of a police force using interview data for 140 sworn police personnel and questionnaire data for 253. The questionnaire was sent to all 580 members below the rank of deputy chief. Overall, this force has undergone recent growth, and attrition is very low. The average length of service is 15 years. Projections of future attrition suggest that over the next 10 years the force will be increasingly aging. This will result in more sick and annual leaves, increasing unavailability of opportunities for promotion, and a decreasing pool of eligible staff sergeants for promotion to senior officer rank. An analysis of attitudinal, motivational, and job satisfaction questionnaire data by 10 career stages based on length of service/rank indicates clear differences among groups, particularly between constables and officers ranking sergeant or above. While constables (particularly those with over 10 years' constables (particularly those with over 10 years' service) show healthy motivation, positive attitudes, and considerable satisfaction with some aspects of the job (e.g. nature of work, salary), there was much dissatisfaction with supervision, promotion, and ability to influence career outcomes. Tables and 30 references are provided.