NCJ Number
103195
Date Published
1986
Length
33 pages
Annotation
The possible connection between a police officer's use of firearms and other aspects of job performance was studied by comparing the job performances of police involved in shootings in Kansas City, Mo., between 1976 and 1978.
Abstract
The nonshooters had all served at least 1 year in patrol or tactical units during the same period. The study assumed that more effective officers would use deadly force less often than officers with less satisfactory job performance. Comparison measures included two indicators of officers' disciplinary records, three indicators of officers' aggressiveness on the job, one measure of morale, and two measures of rewards from the police department. Many results were in the expected direction, but some were not significant. Shooters were more involved than nonshooters in disciplinary measures and were more aggressive in their job performance. These results suggested less satisfactory job performance by shooters. However, they took fewer sick days, suggesting higher morale and better performance. Officers involved in shootings received more departmental commendations and days off for merit as well. Small sample sizes may have affected some of the results. Footnotes, data tables, and 10 references.