NCJ Number
167011
Date Published
1996
Length
58 pages
Annotation
Reasons for voluntary employee turnover in the 12 municipal police agencies in British Columbia, Canada was examined, using data from a literature review, consultation with agencies and experts, a survey of the 12 agencies, and interviews with randomly selected police personnel in those agencies.
Abstract
The interviews were conducted from November 1995 through January 1996 and focused on work and organizational factors, gender-related stressors and experiences, and issues related to coordination of work and family life. Results revealed that the most common reasons for leaving agencies included dissatisfaction with promotional policies, dissatisfaction with transfer policies and opportunities, dissatisfaction with management style and practices, and concerns over the cost of living in the jurisdiction. Female members also notes concerns regarding the management of work and family and pressures associated with being a woman in a male-dominated setting. However, no significant differences existed in the percentages of female and male police officers intending to leave their agencies or policing careers. Changes recommended to address employee turnover relate to human resource management, maternity leave and other policies related to the family, flexible work practices, sexual harassment, and sex-role stereotyping. Police agencies should also develop a retention plan. Footnotes