NCJ Number
81111
Date Published
1979
Length
89 pages
Annotation
This report presents the methodology and describes the results of a study on job satisfaction among the Regina Police Force (Saskatchewan, Canada). The study was conducted in order to monitor any changes in job satisfaction once the city's zone policing model was adopted.
Abstract
In zone policing, a team of police officers is posted to a particular geographic area, where they provide police services around the clock. Questionnaire items were generally concerned either with obtaining descriptive information or information about the respondent's attitudes. The descriptive items concerned family background, demographic information, details about rank and years of service, educational background, etc. The attitudinal items consisted of some 90 statements about crime and crime control. A total of 279 police officers received the questionnaires, and 278 completed them, for a response rate of over 99 percent. Police concerns include the lack of organizational supports, openness or personal communication, fairness in promotions, career development, encouragement, and cooperative orientation in police work. Many respondents reported being negatively influenced in their personal lives as a result of police work and feeling powerless in their jobs. Of all department members, officers in the middle of the rank structure reported the most problems and appeared the least satisfied with their work. Implications of these findings for zone policing and some recommendations are offered. Tabular data, four references, and the questionnaire are furnished.