Towards a Theoretical Model of Police Decision Making: Elaborating the Focal Concerns Perspective Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

• In Event: Police Decision-making Considerations For Enforcement Behaviors

Abstract

The focal concerns perspective has been a useful tool for explaining judicial sentencing outcomes. Other research has shown that this framework can also be used in evaluating the enforcement decisions made by police officers. A shortcoming of the focal concerns perspective, however, is a lack of cognitive mechanisms that connect processes with outcomes. The present research uses qualitative methods to explore the possibility of using mechanisms from the theory of planned behavior to elaborate the focal concerns perspective into a more complete theory.

Author

• Glen Ishoy, Indiana University of Pennsylvania