NCJ Number
111849
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1987) Pages: 271-276
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper presents reasons for and against establishing strict measurable standards for the selection of police officers so as to contribute to a scholarly discussion of the issues.
Abstract
Police selection practices are important because of the discretion involved in police action, the practice of promoting from within the ranks, increased public expectations of police and increased civil liability claims against police. Traditionally, the major problem with police selection has been political influences and social policy affected by politics. Assuming it is possible to control for political intervention, some of the basic qualities police candidates should have are a 12th-grade reading and writing ability; the physical agility to make arrests and cope with job stress; and high ethics, human values, and good judgment. An important issue in police hiring is the proportionate representation of women and racial minorities on police forces. A factor which affects the number of women and racial minorities hired is the presence of nonvarying job-related standards. Those who support such standards, even though they may disqualify certain women and minority persons, argue for the importance of hiring competent police officers, the importance of basing officers' morale in rewards for competency, and the maintenance of a job market that provides the best person for the pay. Those who argue against such standards maintain that police do not need special abilities or skills, standards are indefinable for police, and a police force balanced on race and sex is more important than strict standards. The paper concludes with the presentation of various scenarios for the future of police selection. 8 references.