The Effects of Supervisory Styles on Patrol Officer Behavior

Abstract

Do patrol sergeants' supervisory styles influence patrol officer behavior? This question is addressed by examining data collected for the Project on Policing Neighborhoods, a systematic observational study of patrol officers and first-line supervisors in two metropolitan police departments in 1996 and 1997. Using four distinct supervisory styles created through factor analysis of attitudinal constructs identified in the management and policing literatures, the influence of different supervisory styles over patrol officer behaviors—arrest, use of force, and issuing citations—is assessed. Findings show that at least one supervisory style has a significant influence over the likelihood that officers will use force against suspects. Furthermore, the presence of a supervisor (regardless of supervisory style) significantly increases the likelihood that officers will arrest. Implications for policy and future research are explored.