Police Misconduct: Applying Akers' Social Learning Theory to Deviant Behavior in Law Enforcement

• In Event: Student Panel: Police Misconduct, Perceptions, and Factors for Recruitment

Abstract

This paper employs Akers' Social Learning Theory to explain police misconduct, arguing that it provides the most compelling framework by highlighting how officers learn deviant behavior through association with peers who model and reinforce misconduct. The theory's key strengths are its emphasis on the transmission of definitions favorable to deviance, the reinforcing role of peer encouragement and protection, and its greater explanatory power compared to individual and organizational theories. However, the theory has limitations in accounting for background characteristics that predispose certain officers to misconduct and broader organizational contexts that enable it. An integrated framework grounded in social learning but incorporating these additional factors can further strengthen the explanatory model. The paper recommends three accountability mechanisms aligned with Social Learning Theory to combat misconduct: early intervention systems to identify high-risk officers, enhanced supervision to limit opportunities for misconduct and reinforce ethical standards, and departmental culture reform to create an environment of integrity. Recommendations for theory and practice will be discussed.

Author

• Roxana Perez, Texas State University