Changes in self‐concept during occupational socialization of new recruits to the police

Abstract

In a cross-sectional study five groups of male recruits (n = 369; ages 21 to 36) to a large English provincial police force were tested: one group at entry, three groups at different stages of their 2-year probationary period (one at one-quarter, one at one-half and one at three-quarters of the way through) and one immediately after the probationary period. Significant group effects were found on all 27 items of a set of self-concept statements, suggesting effects of entry-level occupational socialization on recruits' self-image. Changes from group to group during the course of training were examined using discriminant function analysis. Factor analysis yielded four clusters of items: isolation/vulnerability, tension/apprehension, self-worth and commitment/empathy; scores on all four fluctuated during training. Isolation and apprehension rose from a low base during training, and self-worth fell from a high base, but entry levels were recovered by completion of training, giving support for a weak version of the U-curve hypothesis of adaptation. However, high levels of commitment and empathy at entry were significantly depressed on completion of training. In addition, older trainees reported lower self-worth and higher apprehension. Results are interpreted in terms of adaptation during occupational socialization towards a more instrumental and cynical operational style.

Police and their perceived image: how community influence officers’ job satisfaction

“…We suspect that perhaps not only officers' perceived job image (i.e., how they are perceived by the community) but also their self-perception may impact their job satisfaction. In a study of the occupational socialization of new recruits to the police, Stradling, Crowe, and Tuohy (1993) found that the change of officers' 'self-worth,' one of the self-concept items, takes the shape of a U-curve. Kohan and O'Connor (2002) reported that self-esteem is primarily related to job satisfaction.…”

Gender Traits and Identities in a “Masculine” Organization: The Israeli Police Force

“…Moreover, both of these strategies force women to compromise their gender scheme. If, indeed, men and women are socialized into differentiated social roles (Bem, 1981(Bem, , 1987Cohen, 1991), men who join the police force are able to operate in accord with the gender scheme, whereas women cannot (Strading, Crowe, & Touhy, 1993). This is, perhaps, one of the least discussed reasons for gender segregation and women's preferences for employment in female-typed jobs and organizations.…”

Weak links and warrior hearts: a framework for judging self andothersin police training

“…This ethos is transmitted in the subtext of war stories or parables told by instructors, veteran officers, and peers as well as through extra-curricular presentations of obedience to authority in paramilitary dress, demeanor, and deportment (Ford, 2003). During the socialization process, recruits experience shifts in self-concept, attitude, and moral relativism that parallel the perspectives of active officers (Catlin & Maupin, 2004;Stradling, Crowe, & Tuohy, 1993). Additionally, the informal curriculum promotes values that are contrary to the formal training as well as the recruit's initial idealism, motivation, and commitment (Haar, 2005;White, 2006).…”