Perceptions of Police Legitimacy and Its Impact on Recruitment

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

Abstract

Police departments across the nation are struggling to fill their ranks with new recruits. It has been suggested that perceptions of law enforcement, such as perceived legitimacy, can impact the interest in becoming a police officer. A limited number of studies have examined potential recruits’ views on the legitimacy problem and the impact this is likely to have on their decision to become a police officer. This paper examines the impact perceptions of police legitimacy may have on potential applicants applying to become a police officer. We rely on data collected from undergraduate students enrolled in criminal justice courses (n=450). Research findings and implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Gwendelyn Kovaleski, Texas State University

• Gilbert O'Brien, Texas State University