A qualitative analysis of officer peer retaliation

Abstract

A survey of the literature shows that researchers have assessed the social processes of retaliation among adversarial crime prone populations. However, notably absent from this research is the study of peer retaliation among non‐adversarial and less crime prone populations, such as police officers. The underlying theoretical premise is that peer retaliation, defined here as a mechanism of social control, operates under prevailing police culture conditions.Using focus group interviews collected from one large Southwestern police department, content analysis is used to qualitatively examine the influence of peer retaliation on officer deviance (i.e. reporting incidents of illegal force). The results show that officers' rationalize peer retaliation according to morality and deterrence; while, types of retaliation sanctioned against peers include ostracism and no cover. The implications of these findings are considered.

Causes of Occupational Stress In Relation To Level of Occupational Stress among Police Constables in Kisumu County, Kenya

“…Occupational stress may occur to police officer who perceives themselves as having a strong peer relation. Cancino and Enriquez (2004) noted that peer influence is an exceptionally important social force. Shared work experiences allow officers to develop mutual understanding of work stressors that can serve as a protective factor.…”

Reinventing the Matron: The Continued Importance of Gendered Images and Division of Labor in Modern Policing

“…Peer bonds within policing can lead to intense secrecy and solidarity among officers, limiting their willingness to disclose observed gendered (and other) behavior. In fact, officers who report problems presented by their peers might fear retaliation from others within the department (Cancino and Enriquez 2004). The lead author, who has considerable experience working with police officers in a professional setting, conducted the interviews and took measures to build rapport.…”

“…The informal police culture remains a powerful roadblock to major behavioral change (Cancino and Enriquez 2004). The normative standard in policing pushes officers toward risk-seeking behavior.…”

Eliciting Personal Constructs to Distinguish Prevailing D/discourse in Police Training

“…A New Zealand study by Frewin and Tuffin (1998, p.181) of homosexuality in policing identified what they called 'internal pressure discourse' with resources of marginalisation, isolation, surveillance of peers by peers, rumours, and threats to safety which are performed 'on those who fail to conform': who fail to function as committed team members. Studies by Frewin and Tuffin (1998) and Cancino and Enriquez (2004) found that police culture and peer retaliation function as forms of social control to essentially maintain the status quo.…”