Social Isolation of Police - Structural Determinants and Remedies

• NCJ Number: 78234
• Journal: Police Studies Dated: (Fall 1980) Pages: 14-21
• Author(s): B Swanton
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on research studies of American, Australian, and British police and their families, this article explores the social isolation that often accompanies police employment and then proposes remedial strategies.

Abstract

Surveys have shown that lower class communities tend to treat police officers and their families with reserve, suspicion, and even overt hostility. Middle class individuals may express their resentment of law enforcement tactics by denying services to police employees. According to studies of police families in England, Australia, and the United States, many individuals feel that police connections limit social relations, although they accept the situation as an unavoidable consequence of the work. Police administrative structures further complicate normal social relations, particularly shift work, the likelihood that vacations can be canceled on short notice, and long hours. Moreover, police regulations control officers' behavior while off duty, and the effects of work experience carry over into officers' private lives. The suspicion and cynicism that are required in police work affect attitudes toward other social contacts. Rural police feel a greater need than their urban peers to maintain some social distance as protection for their authority. While few police and family members suffer mental or physical illness as a result of social isolation, their general life satisfaction can be reduced. Because this affects recruitment and performance, police administrators should consider prevention strategies. More research on social isolation and other sources of police occupational stress is needed. Training courses could help police increase their capacities to interact harmoniously with citizens whenever possible and understand their own motivations and social needs. Other suggestions include improved methods of arranging schedules and realistic career development programs. The article contains 28 references.