NCJ Number
182103
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 69-81
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2000
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined aspects of the work environment that could affect the risk of harm to police officers in Australia from alcohol consumption.
Abstract
Study participants included 4,193 police personnel recruited from an Australian state police service; males constituted 87.9 percent of the sample and females 12.1 percent. The self-report survey contained demographic questions and the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), as well as questions related to perceived control over the job, overtime, pressure, boredom, and job satisfaction. Of the 4,193 police personnel, 67 percent completed the survey. Results indicated that gender, age, and marital status were individual risk factors for problem drinking. Years of service, job satisfaction, perceived control within the job, and being an operational police officer also emerged as significant predictors of at risk alcohol consumption patterns. Findings further suggested there was a strong norm of drinking at work or after a shift, suggesting a culture of acceptance of drinking within the workplace. This acceptance was strongly predictive of both risk of alcohol dependency and negative consequences of drinking within the police service. The authors suggest directions for future research that focus on informed interventions within the police service to the risk of harm from alcohol consumption. 43 references and 3 tables