Attitudes about the “Successful/Good” police officer: A comparison between Sweden and Catalonia

• In Event: Police Efficiency: Domestic and International Applications

Abstract

The discussion of what is important to become a successful/good police officer is relevant in different settings. The area of interest in this study is entering the police organization. Is the model of self-selection and expressed attitudes the same among recruits in two different contexts? A related aspect is the reasoning of the organization as it influences the process of self-selection in the form of requirements and the final decision on acceptance. This study attempts to investigate factor structure of the successful/good police officer and how other factors interrelate using data from two different countries. Analyses concern model development and measurement equivalence tests (multiple group solution) with survey data from a European project (RECPOL), using a translated and adapted instrument. The intention is to develop a model that can be appropriate for comparison purposes. Other sources of information are governmental documents and interviews. Results indicate on a model adjusted to be useful for comparisons between police organizations in culturally different contexts.

Author

• Miguel Inzunza, Umeå University, Sweden