Police behavior (part I)

Abstract

Police and citizen behavior occurring during radio patrol activities was studied in Miami. Four specially trained policemen-observers rated behavior of 12 observed patrolmen interacting with 1,400 citizens during 1,000 separate contacts. Police behavior was found to be predominantly controlling in nature. Citizen behavior was predominantly cooperative and nonviolent. Stress was perceived by patrolmen in 7% of calls and altered police behavior in 1.5% of calls, a small but significant amount. Surprisingly, neither citizen behavior nor types of neighborhoods affected police behavior. Inactivity on patrol increased both police controlling behavior and police fatigue. Recommendations are made regarding police research, training and operations.