An Exploration of the Sources of Self-Legitimacy among a U.S. Sample of Municipal Police Executives

• In Event: Understanding and Advancing Legitimacy Theory II

Abstract

A rapidly growing body of research has demonstrated the importance of officer self-legitimacy in the police legitimacy dialogue. Although we have learned a great deal about the beneficial outcomes of self-legitimacy, few empirical studies have given attention to its sources, and none have focused specifically on police executives. To address this gap in the literature, we sent a mail survey to 2,496 municipal police chiefs across the United States to inquire about the factors that contribute to (or undermine) their self-legitimacy. Building on recent studies regarding hostile media perceptions and procedurally just cooperation with police by citizens, we consider whether these sentiments are associated with levels of officer self-legitimacy. We also consider the role of local institutional sovereigns (e.g., mayors, the courts) in shaping their self-legitimacy. Findings will be discussed along with their implications for theory and practice.

Authors

• Justin Nix, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Scott Wolfe, Michigan State University

• Justin Tyler Pickett, University at Albany, SUNY

• Brandon Tregle, University of Nebraska - Omaha