POLICE OFFICER DISCIPLINE - A STUDY OF EXPERIENCE AND ATTITUDE

• NCJ Number: 38097
• Journal: Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1976) Pages: 331-339
• Author(s): R I MACFARLANE; A CROSBY
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: International Assoc of Chiefs of Police; Northwestern University
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THIS STUDY (BASED ON A SAMPLE OF 2,165 OFFICERS FROM 16 POLICE DEPARTMENTS) FOUND THAT POLICE MANAGERS SHOULD DEVELOP AND IMPROVE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS TO MAKE DISCIPLINARY RULES AS WELL UNDERSTOOD AS POSSIBLE.

Abstract

IN RELATING BACKGROUND FACTORS TO DISCIPLINARY EXPERIENCES, IT WAS FOUND THAT SENIORITY, MORE THAN ANY OTHER BACKGROUND VARIABLE, WAS RELATED TO RECEIVING COMPLAINTS AND BEING SUBJECT TO DEPARTMENTAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS. (WHEN THE 12 YEAR SENIORITY LEVEL IS REACHED, THIS NO LONGER HOLDS TRUE). ATTITUDINAL FACTORS INDICATE THAT WHILE 50 PERCENT OF THE SAMPLE HAVE A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES, THEY DO NOT HAVE FULL COMPREHENSION. OFFICERS ARE GENERALLY IN AGREEMENT WITH SUPERVISORY ACTIONS. OFFICERS BELIEVE SWORN PERSONNEL SHOULD BE HELD TO HIGHER STANDARDS THAN CIVILIAN POLICE EMPLOYEES. OFFICERS ARE NOT OVERLY CONFIDENT OF REVIEW PROCEDURES, AND MOST THOUGHT MANAGEMENT METHODS OF RULE DISSEMINATION TO BE ADEQUATE. THE STUDY ALSO FOUND THAT OFFICERS PERCEIVED REGULATIONS CONCERNING PERSONAL GROOMING AND OFF-DUTY EMPLOYMENT AS BEING THE LEAST FAIR OF 14 CONDUCT CATEGORIES, BOTH AS WRITTEN AND AS ENFORCED.