EXAMINATION OF SOME ELEMENTS OF THE PERSONALITY OF POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS

• NCJ Number: 44617
• Journal: Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: (DECEMBER 1977) Pages: 441-450
• Author(s): A J P BUTLER; R COCHRANE
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 10 pages
• Corporate Author: International Assoc of Chiefs of Police
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

DOMINANT PERSONALITY NEEDS AND VALUES IN A SAMPLE OF BRITISH POLICE OFFICERS ARE EXAMINED IN A STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE COURSE AND DIRECTION OF POLICE OCCUPATIONAL SOCIALIZATION.

Abstract

THE SUBJECTS WERE MALE CONSTABLES IN POLICE FORCES FROM THE MIDLANDS OF ENGLAND. THE 100 CONSTABLES VARIED IN AGE, LENGTH OF POLICE SERVICE, AND TYPE OF JURISDICTION (URBAN OR RURAL). THE EDWARDS PERSONAL PREFERENCE SCHEDULE AND THE ROKEACH VALUE SURVEY WERE USED TO DETERMINE THE OFFICERS' PERSONALITY NEEDS AND VALUES. THE FINDINGS SUGGEST THE EXISTENCE OF A SOCIALIZING INFLUENCE WITHIN THE POLICE EXPERIENCE. SOCIALIZATION PRODUCES A PERSONALITY PATTERN THAT EMPHASIZES SELF-ASSERTIVENESS, INDEPENDENCE OF THOUGHT, AND DOMINANCE. IT IS SUGGESTED THAT SUCH PERSONALITY PATTERNS ARE IN PART A RESPONSE TO THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RIGORS OF THE POLICE ROLE. THESE RIGORS EMANATE FROM THE DEMANDS INHERENT TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL, LEGAL, AND SOCIAL VALUES AND CUSTOMS OF LIBERAL DEMOCRACIES. POLICE OFFICERS APPEAR TO PERCEIVE A SOCIETAL DEMAND FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ACHIEVEMENT OF OPPOSING SOCIAL GOALS. POLICE ADMINISTRATORS ARE URGED TO BE MORE COGNIZANT OF THESE FACTORS AND TO ADAPT THEIR PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT METHODS ACCORDINGLY. SUPPORTING DATA ARE INCLUDED.