NCJ Number
73233
Journal
Schriftenreihe der Polizei-Fuehrungsakademie Issue: 3 Dated: (1980) Pages: 222-235
Date Published
1980
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The demands on the personality of the police officer in his everyday duties and the personality development of new recruits during police training are discussed in this West German paper.
Abstract
The personality characteristics of good police officers include the ability to make decisions, a positive attitude towards police work, a willingness to accept responsibility, self confidence, a desire to help others, the ability to communicate with others, and discipline. Officers must be able to adjust their behavior to the situation at hand. For example, during the normal exercise of their powers they must maintain good manners, behave in a professional and self-assured manner, be able to explain their actions in a convincing manner, and be able to imagine themselves in the place of those he must deal with. However, if officers are called upon to face dangers, they must avoid being provoked or becoming excited, and they must remain disciplined and determined and be prepared to take the initiative. Although police training courses cannot produce such personalities in new recruits, the instructors can be influential through their own professional behavior. This task is especially important in the Federal Republic of Germany today, where increasing numbers of 16-year-olds are entering police training schools. The two and one-half years of exposure to police professionals in the schools can provide a basis for personality development, which must then be further extended through exposure to the good example of professionals in police departments. A reference list is not included. -- in German.