NCJ Number
187651
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 14-20
Date Published
January 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article examines factors that distinguish "Generation X" police officers from those of earlier generations.
Abstract
The Generation X population is persons born between 1963 and 1977, approximately 42 million persons, or 33.6 percent of the nearly 125 million employed Americans. Generation X'ers process information differently than previous generations, expecting quick responses and immediate feedback to enable them to adjust and determine personal success. They emphasize individual responsibility, economic liberty, and social freedom. They stay single longer, allowing for more flexibility and mobility within the job market. They are better educated, either by colleges, technical schools, on-the-job training, or personal experience. They are a racially diverse group. Their symbols of success are money management and more time away from work. A police training program for these young people will: (1) get them up to speed quickly so they can start adding value right away; (2) provide numerous information resources on various topics; (3) transform the organizational culture into a continuous learning environment; and (4) provide frequent, accurate, specific, and timely feedback relating to officer performance. The article concludes that these new police officers can bring valuable skills to agencies that know how to get the best out of them.