NCJ Number
231336
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2010 Pages: 53-77
Date Published
2010
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study examined the values orientation of police recruits in Mexico City during a period of major organizational change to determine whether reform efforts attracted recruits with a different set of values.
Abstract
Individual values are very much related to the successful implementation of community-oriented policing (COP) policies. Utilizing Rokeach value indicators, this study seeks to add to the very limited empirical research in this area by examining the values of police recruits in Mexico. This paper examines the values of police recruits in Mexico City during a time of major organizational reform and is formatted in line with the approach of Zhao, et al. (1998). Surveys were administered in 1998 and 2002 which focused on changes in recruit values in relation to community-oriented policing. The findings of this paper suggest that police recruit values have not changed substantially over time, or across national lines, even in a department with active COP recruiting efforts and substantive institutional reforms. Further, the values of the recruits are not likely consistent with the implementation of community policing reforms. These results suggest that Mexico will continue to have difficulty implementing community-based police reforms and is not likely to accomplish such through recruitment efforts alone. Policy implications are discussed. Tables, notes, and references (Published Abstract)