Police Chapter 6

Culture

Patterns of human activity; Way of life for society

Key Components of Culture

1. Norms

2. Values

3. Institutions

Norms

Expectations of how ppl will behave in dif situations

Subculture

Groups of ppl with distinct values, behaviors, etc that differ from larger culture theyre apart of

Found in large cultures

Ex. religion

Police Culture/Subculture

A combo of shared norms, values, goals, career patterns, lifestyles + occupational structures thats somewhat dif from combo held up by rest of society

Blue Wall of Silence

A figurative protective barrier by the police in which officers protect one another from outsiders, often even refusing to aid police superiors or other law enforcement officials in investigating the wrongdoings of other officers

Blue Curtain

A concept dev by William Westely that claims police officers only trust other police officers + dont aid in investigation of wrongdoing by other officers

Police Personality

Bc of police culture/subculture; Traits common in most officers

Ex. Authoritarianism, suspicion, hostility, insecurity, conservatism, cynicism

2 Views on Police Personality

1. Police dept recruits ppl who by nature possess traits in police personality

2. Officers dev these traits through socialization + experience

Police Cynicism

An attitude thats theres no hope for the world + a view of humanity at its worst

Dirty Harry Prob

A moral dilemma faced by police officers in which they may feel forced to take certain illegal actions to achieve a greater good

Ex. Torturing kidnapper to find hostage

Fight or Flight

Body’s reaction to highly stressful situations in which it is getting prepped for extraordinary physical extertion

Dif Types of Stress

• External

• Organizational

• Personal

• Operational

External Stress

Produced by real threats + dangers (ex. gun threat)

Organizational Stress

Produced by elements inherent in quasi military character of police

Ex. Odd working hours

Personal Stress

Produced by interpersonal characteristics of belonging to police organization

Ex. Difficulty getting along with other officers

Operational Stress

Produced by the officer’s daily confrontation with tragedies of urban life

Ex. dealing with crime

Suicide by Cop

When a person wishing to die deliberately places an officer in a life threatening situation, causing officer to use deadly force

Police Suicide

The intentional taking of ones own life by a police officer

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (NLEOM)

A memorial in DC est to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of police officers killed in line of duty

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Where does police personality come from?

The police environment

Lancing Michigan Study

Police seem more oriented toward self control + obedience than avg citizen

More interested in personal goals like “an exciting life” + less interested in social goals

Blue Flu

Officers call out sick at the same time bc theyre not allowed to strike

How do you control officers?

1. Litigation (externally)

2. Policies (discipline to termination)