Chapter 6 Questions

What is reality shock?

The rude awakening that occurs when the reality of police work differs from expectations.

Why do new officers experience reality shock?

They encounter unexpected job demands, negativity, and difficult situations.

What must officers remain during hostile citizen encounters?

Professional.

What does "MUSHIN" mean?

Remaining calm and professional when dealing with citizens.

How do hostile encounters affect officers?

They are rare but tend to leave lasting impressions.

What workplace factors can create resentment in officers?

Citizen complaints and Internal Affairs investigations.

Why is stereotyping a shock for new officers?

Public misconceptions about police become directed at them personally.

What is meant by "dirty work" in policing?

Handling unpleasant and traumatic situations others avoid.

What effect can repeated exposure to tragedy have on officers?

It can create negative views of the public.

What role do negative media portrayals play?

They may increase cynicism and frustration.

How can the criminal justice system create frustration for officers?

Through dismissals, plea bargains, and criticism from judges.

Why is department support important?

It strongly affects morale and job satisfaction.

According to studies, whom do officers tend to trust most?

Other officers.

Why are many new officers assigned to high-crime areas?

Seniority systems and union contracts.

What benefit comes from working high-crime areas?

Valuable learning and experience.

What did the major 1970 study conclude?

Police possess a distinct occupational subculture.

What three characteristics were emphasized in the traditional police subculture?

Secrecy, solidarity, and violence.

What is selective contact?

Frequent interaction with people involved in crime and conflict.

How does selective contact affect officers?

It can create negative perceptions of the public.

How does perceived hostility affect officers?

It strengthens group solidarity.

What is the Code of Silence?

An unwritten rule discouraging officers from reporting misconduct.

Why is the Code of Silence problematic?

It undermines accountability.

How can the Code of Silence manifest itself?

Not reporting misconduct or providing untruthful testimony.

Does the Code of Silence still exist?

Yes, to some extent.

How did some officers in the 1970 culture justify violence?

They believed public hostility justified it.

What did later police culture studies identify as the two major shaping forces?

Danger and authority.

How does danger influence police attitudes?

Officers become routinely suspicious of potential threats.

Why is stereotyping considered dangerous?

It harms police-community relations.

What aspect of policing strongly binds officers together?

Shared danger.

What was a major finding of the 2006 updated subculture study?

Police culture has changed significantly since 1970.

What factors helped change police culture?

Diversity, training, policies, and societal changes.

What motivates many modern recruits?

A desire to serve and help communities.

What did updated studies conclude about the "us vs. them" mentality?

It is less common than previously believed.

What factors shape the modern police subculture?

Morality, law, bureaucracy, safety, and competency.

Why was the original 1970 study criticized?

It emphasized mostly negative traits.

What is the best way to understand modern police culture?

As a complex phenomenon that cannot be reduced to stereotypes.

How has the entry of women influenced policing?

It helped modernize police culture.

What major factor has contributed to changes in police culture?

Minority inclusion.

What have studies found regarding minority officers and use of force?

No significant differences.

Why is diversity valuable in policing?

It improves representation, legitimacy, and community perceptions.

What is the education generation gap?

Differences between older and younger officers resulting from higher education levels.

What is the cohort effect?

New generations gradually changing police culture.

What characterized the "Old Street Cop"?

Aggressive handling of citizens and reliance on street experience.

How do younger officers differ from older officers?

They are more accepting of rules limiting discretion.

Which group tends to resist organizational change more?

Older officers.

What policing reform often encounters resistance from older officers?

Community policing.

What is a Hard Charger?

An officer who aggressively handles situations and seeks danger.

What is a Station Queen?

An officer who tends to avoid danger.

What is an Active Officer?

An officer who proactively initiates activity and arrests.

What is a Passive Officer?

An officer who does minimal proactive work.

What do studies show about officer activity?

A small number of officers generate most police activity.

What are two major reasons people enter policing?

Salary and benefits.

What employment advantage does policing provide?

Job security.

Why is in-service training important?

Police skills are perishable.

Why are specialized-unit assignments desirable?

They aid career development and promotion.

What problems can result from outside employment?

Conflicts of interest and reduced commitment.

What factors affect job satisfaction?

Nature of work, organization, community relations, leadership, and family.

Why is policing considered stressful?

Exposure to danger, suffering, public criticism, and organizational pressures.

What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

A department program that provides mental health and support services.

Why do officers leave policing?

Retirement, dismissal, resignation, lack of fulfillment, frustration, and family concerns.

What major conclusion does Chapter 6 reach about policing?

Police careers are shaped by many influences, involve a distinct subculture, and are highly stressful.

What proportion of officers believed hostility justified violence?

More than one-third.

What was the police suicide rate reported by the CDC?

18 per 100,000.

What was the comparison suicide rate for adults ages 25-50?

14.6 per 100,000.