Becoming a police officer: Influential psychological factors

Abstract

Objective To analyse the existing relationships between motivation, self‐concept and family and social influence when choosing the profession of police officer. Methods Cross‐sectional descriptive study, through intentional sampling, carried out using a protocol for collecting information from different socio‐demographic variables, the Motivation scale and the Self‐concept Form‐5 questionnaire. The sample consisted of 258 local police officers from the Public Security School of Andalusia (Spain). Results The results showed an association between the influence of family and social environment and the different motivations (achievement, affiliation and power). On the other hand, between these motivations and the different dimensions of self‐concept (working, social, emotional, family and physical). Conclusions The prevalence of motivation can be observed. Professional motivation, self‐concept and family influence are relevant variables in relation to professional choice, efficacy and productivity in professional performance. In fact, a higher degree of family self‐concept promotes power motivation to face life changes.

The link between police cadets' field training and attitudes toward police work in China: a longitudinal study

“…The existing literature has documented that demographics are important predictors of occupational attitudes among police officers/cadets (Cuvelier et al, 2015;Ingram and Terrill, 2014;Navarro-Abal et al, 2020;Paoline et al, 2000;Qu et al, 2018;Sun et al, 2009;Sun et al, 2010;White, 2008;Zhao et al, 1999a, b). For example, in the comparison of Chinese and US police cadets' occupational attitudes, Sun et al (2010) found significant gender difference regarding police cadets' support of aggressive style of patrol.…”

Gauging the impact of negative media publicity on career decisions: exploring police recruit motivations during a recruitment crisis

“…practical benefits) and overall characteristics of the job (Todak, 2017; White et al ., 2010). Ultimately, multiple motivation variables must be considered when evaluating the cognitive process of police career selection, not only to more fully understand the factors which motivate a would-be police officer (Navarro-Abal et al ., 2020), but to also obtain a better grasp on effective recruitment strategies within the current environment.…”