Police Sexual Misconduct: Officers' Perceptions of Its Extent and Causality

• NCJ Number: 203228
• Journal: Criminal Justice Review Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: Autumn 2003 Pages: 355-381
• Author(s): Timothy M. Maher
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 27 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey; Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This survey of police officers in 14 police agencies in 4 counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area solicited police officers' perceptions of the extent of police sexual misconduct (PSM), as well as factors that may influence officers' decisions to engage in or refrain from this behavior.

Abstract

For the purposes of this survey, PSM is defined as "any behavior by a police officer, whereby an officer takes advantage of his or her unique position in law enforcement to misuse his or her authority and power to commit a sexually violent act, or to initiate or respond to some sexually motivated cue for the purpose of personal gratification. This behavior must include physical contact, verbal communication, or a sexually implicit or explicit gesture directed toward another person." The primary data-gathering instruments for this study consisted of survey questionnaires and personal interviews. A total of 40 police officers from 14 police agencies participated in the study. Overall, the sample of officers had considerable experience and were employed by large departments. The survey findings suggest that police officers perceived PSM to be common. Although there was no indication of significant levels of serious criminal conduct, at the very least the sexual behavior reported by the respondents violated widely accepted ethical standards commonly associated with law enforcement. Citizens would be outraged to learn, for example, that police officers commonly stop vehicles in order to "check out" or talk to the driver or passengers simply because the officers find them attractive. This article recommends that all police personnel be educated and trained about sexual misconduct and its effects on policing. Further, a broader, more systematic approach must be adopted by law enforcement agencies to help define, measure, and control PSM, particularly its more common manifestations. Police agencies should develop policies on PSM that forbid every type of sexual misconduct. 3 tables, 56 references, and appended questionnaire