NCJ Number
176599
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: December 1998 Pages: 276-287
Date Published
1998
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the conflict-resolution tactics of male and female police officers on patrol in Adelaide, South Australia.
Abstract
Observations were conducted at two suburban police stations in Adelaide. Officers were observed when interacting with members of the public during general-duties patrols. Interactions occurred at the citizen's home, at business premises, shopping centers, hotels, schools, or in the street. Eight officers were observed, four of whom were female and four male. All officers were of the rank of constable. An instrument for measuring conflict behavior was developed from a model of conflict resolution, based on previous theoretical and empirical work. The instrument consists of 11 behavioral categories, into which all verbal and physical communication was recorded. Five categories (support, control, reject, threat, and physical) referred to officer-only behavior; and four categories (self-defense, refuse, verbal abuse, and physical abuse) referred to citizen-only behavior. In addition, two categories (information seek and information give) referred to tactics that could be used by either the officer or the citizen. Lag sequential analysis was used to detect sequences of behavior. Results show that male officers used coercive tactics, such as controlling statements, threats, and physical tactics, more often than females. The use of coercive tactics by males was likely to elicit verbal abuse from the citizen, which in turn increased the probability of physical abuse. This outcome was not evident for female officers. Female officers were generally more supportive of citizens, preferring tactics that emphasized mutual power in the interaction. Females used coercive tactics less often and in different contexts from those of males and, as a result, experienced less verbal abuse during their discussions with citizens, and public and avoided physical resistance. 2 figures, 2 tables, and 26 references