NCJ Number
201214
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: 2003 Pages: 43-63
Date Published
2003
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article discusses findings about what factors affect the job commitment and satisfaction of lower-ranked Australian police officers.
Abstract
The impact of recent reform on lower-ranked police officers’ level of organizational commitment and satisfaction with communication processes was examined. In this study, lower-ranked police officers were identified as those that held the ranks of constable, senior constable, and/or sergeant. These ranks are primarily responsible for undertaking “hands-on” policing tasks and have usually been in the service for fewer than 8 years. Some of the research questions include: (1) whether the level of management affects job commitment; (2) whether certain variables like communication frequency and mode affect the satisfaction with supervisor communication; and (3) whether certain variables affect job commitment. A review of the literature suggests that police officers will feel most committed when they are involved in decisionmaking, feel supported by superiors, and receive adequate levels of feedback about their job tasks, performance, and expectations. Two validated instruments, Metcalfe and Dick’s (2000) instrument for measuring police commitment, and Johlke and Duhan’s (2000) instrument for measuring the employees’ satisfaction with communication processes between supervisors and service employees, were used in the study. The instruments were chosen based on a review of the literature and the issues raised by a focus group of police officers. Questionnaires were administered to constables, senior constables, and sergeants within police stations located within one region of an Australian State Police Service. The results suggest a relatively high level of pride in the police service, with reasonable levels of identification with the police service’s goals and increased involvement with rank (from constable to sergeant). Overall commitment decreases significantly with an increase in rank from constable to sergeant. An implication is that the level of commitment demonstrated by constables suggests that the sergeant/senior sergeants do prove effective in their roles. But there is increasing dissatisfaction with appraisal/promotional procedures and information communication modes as rank increases. 1 figure, 11 tables, 50 references