Exploring the Police Personality 67negativity. In addition, these police leaders need to actively recognize the positive
actions by police officers within the department as well as in the community. He
also maintains that by having continuous training about the intent of rules of ev-
idence, officers can be empowered within the criminal justice system rather than
manipulated by it. Graves contends that a participatory management style that al-
lows officers to have a voice increases their satisfaction with their jobs and reduces
cynicism that flows out toward the community. Finally, he suggests that a realistic
job preview should be offered to police officer candidates during recruitment.
Toch (1992) suggests that rather than focus only on the individual recruit's per-
sonality style, their pattern of social interaction should be examined in order to
assess the violence potential. He points out that it should be impressed upon young
officers that they need to communicate to civilians the reasons for their actions.
For example, Toch cites multiple incidents where police officers demand a certain
response from a suspicious civilian and their increasingly authoritative and demand-
ing demeanor contributes to the escalation of violence. Toch recognizes that the
ambiguity in the power delegated to police officers frequently results in the abuse
of those powers. He suggests that more guidance should be offered in handling
discretion. Officers are bombarded with phrases like "reasonable force" without a
clear understanding of their meanings or applicability in street situations. In the
case illustration, Cameron was faced with a noncompliant suspect and no plan to
counter the situation.
In order to confront these situations, Toch (1992) suggests that officers should
be provided with criteria of conduct with a realistic preparation for their use on
the street. Specifically, he recommends directive, in-service training experiences
rather than passive learning experiences. In addition, he suggests that while on
their probationary periods, officers should be shadowed. During this shadow-ing
procedure, when violence-producing situations are confronted, a resolution should
be worked out and errors should he open to analysis and correction.Suggestions for Future ResearchThe literature called for more objective or qualitative data on the mental disorders
experienced by police officers. The categorization of the personality traits identified
in the current research does little to elucidate the experience of police officers.
Traditionally a guarded group, it is difficult to obtain an accurate indication of
psychological functioning. Longitudinal studies of personality and mood changes
could help to identify the effect of continued police service on the mental health
of officers.
Regarding the psychological assessment instruments used to screen officer can-
didates, Kornfeld (1995) reports the need for new normative data on the MMPI-2,
especially for female and minority police officer candidates, to help promote fairness
in the selection process. Overall, more validation research needs to be done on the