A Call to Serve?: Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Reasons for Joining the Police in Brazil

• In Event: Police Training: Recruitment and Retention

Abstract

Understanding the motivations behind choosing a career in law enforcement is crucial for effective recruitment and retention strategies. This study investigates the motivations of Brazilian police recruits using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to identify and categorize their reasons for joining the police force. Data were collected from 4,279 entry-level police recruits across four Brazilian states using a structured survey instrument. The analysis revealed three core motivational dimensions: Job Security and Financial Stability, Vocational and Mission-Oriented, and Authority and Social Influence. Findings indicate that practical considerations, particularly career and salary stability, are primary motivators in Brazil's socioeconomically uncertain context. However, vocational motivations related to crime-fighting, public service, and making societal contributions were also influential. Additionally, motivations associated with authority, power, and social recognition emerged prominently, reflecting Brazil’s hierarchical and authority-oriented societal structure. The results offer a theoretically and empirically grounded framework for understanding the multifaceted motivational factors that shape police career choices in Brazil. This study provides critical insights for policymakers and police institutions aiming to align recruitment strategies with candidate motivations, thereby improving professional satisfaction, performance, and retention.

Author

• Franklin Epiphanio, Getulio Vargas Foundation - São Paulo Business School