Police Job Satisfaction: Suggestions to Improve Satisfaction Among Patrol and School Resource Officers

• In Event: Research on Stress and Job Satisfaction among Police Officers

Abstract

Police in schools work in settings culturally distinct from the street, perform non-traditional tasks, and often adopt roles as mentors and teachers. The differences in the social and physical environments of schools may lead school resource officers (SROs) to perceive their work differently. In one prior study, SROs reported higher job satisfaction compared to patrol officers, yet more work is needed to explore differences in how SROs and patrol officers experience their work. Job satisfaction is especially important given its correlation with officer wellbeing and work performance. In this study quantitative and qualitative responses from surveys of 320 patrol officers in a Midwestern police agency were compared to those from 182 SROs in four Midwestern states. Respondents identified factors that would improve their job satisfaction and there were similarities across both groups, though SROs were more concerned about levels of training and community participation.

Authors

• Trisha Rhodes, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Joselyne Chenane, University of Nebraska, Omaha