NCJ Number
129784
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Two research projects explored police attitudes in Italy in view of the comprehensive police reforms in 1981 and the social changes of the past decade.
Abstract
A preliminary study gathered information on the attitudes of 100 police officers from Bologna. Results indicated that a well-educated generation of young officers showed great interest in their work; they no longer felt ostracized by society, but considered the police to be a profession like any other. In a 1988 followup study, 347 police officers from 3 Italian cities, 282 police trainees, and 103 police instructors responded to a standardized questionnaire. Results confirmed that police careers are increasingly attractive to youth and to people of middle-class backgrounds. Motivations for becoming police included the desire for a secure, well-respected profession; financial security; and personal fulfillment. The most frequent criticisms dealt with professional dangers, family problems, and insufficient salary. Honesty was named as the most important qualification for an officer. All three groups expressed satisfaction with the hierarchical organization and the work of their superiors. However, despite the positive changes in the police image, future research is necessary on how to attract qualified officers.