What Makes a Good Patrol Officer? A Cross-Rank Analysis of Police Perspectives

• In Event: Reimagining the Frontlines: Institutional Practices, Officer Perspectives, and Local Legitimacy

Abstract

The current study provides a cross-rank analysis of the personal and professional characteristics police personnel view as being most important for a good street-level patrol officer. Prior literature points to a variety of factors – passion, empathy, integrity, effective communication, courage, reliability, and loyalty – that are features of good police officers. However, this research tends to inquire about “good policing” in general rather than differentiating across rank; “good” may be different for a street-level officer than for a middle manager. Further, previous studies often rely solely on perspectives of upper management (e.g., chiefs, recruiters) and the general public rather than asking for street-level officers’ or middle managers’ insights about their work. The current study utilizes quantitative survey data to compare the personal and professional characteristics officers in a medium-sized university police department view as important for a good street-level patrol officer. Findings have implications for officer perceptions of self-legitimacy as well as departmental recruiting, training, and evaluation.

Authors

• Amelia Wiercioch, University of Central Florida

• Eugene Paoline III, University of Central Florida