NCJ Number
108531
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1987) Pages: 192-195
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The effect of police uniform style (blazer and slacks, Eisenhower jacket and slacks, and standard paramilitary uniform in male and female versions) on perceived credibility of police was examined in responses of 30 college students to line drawings of the 6 uniform categories.
Abstract
No significant differences in perceived trustworthiness or objectivity of police were found as a function of uniform style or gender or their interaction. A statistically significant effect for dynamism was found only for gender, with the female uniform being associated with less dynamism. Both a uniform style and gender effect were found for perceived police professionalism, with the blazer uniform being viewed as most professional, especially in the case of the male uniform. Overall, results suggest that a change to the blazer style could result in increased public perceptions of police professionalism without adverse effects on other aspects of police credibility. Gender effects on perceived credibility are consistent with conventional sexism. 15 references.