Meeting Societal Expectations Through Understanding Police Decision-Making
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Organization Development & Change (D.O.D.C.)
Department
Organization Development
First Advisor
Truit Gray (Committee Chair)
Second Advisor
Maggie Brooks (Committee Member)
Third Advisor
Steve Cady (Committee Member)
Fourth Advisor
Shirley Tandoh (Other)
Abstract
Throughout history, police reform initiatives have consistently been met with skepticism, with such initiatives having a variable impact on officer functioning. Many reform tactics focus on policy and procedure, with the goal seemingly being to turn officers into pre-programmed machines that follow a set course of actions. Unfortunately, in reality, it is rare for any single officer encounter to conform perfectly to training and policy. Thus, what is missing from such reform initiatives is an acknowledgment that officers are indeed human, and thus, individual discretion is a key component of officer action. The primary objective of this study is to better understand the multitude of factors that shape decision-making among law enforcement officers across various operational scenarios. By better understanding the influencers of officer decision-making, police agencies may be better equipped to develop training and policy geared towards improving officer-decisions in discretionary situations. The results obtained from the qualitative analysis reveal consistent patterns across diverse operational contexts. Organizational factors, such as organizational norms, supervisor expectations, and the reward structure, emerge as central determinants, significantly influencing officers' actions and decisions. Additionally, personal factors, such as intrinsic motivations and individual differences, influence officer decision-making, suggesting a one size fits all approach to officer decision-making training and development may be ineffective. Thirdly, officers are aware of external factors, such as media and social media portrayals and general public opinion, and such considerations are weighed when determining a course of action. Lastly, in certain contexts, factors such as the nature of the violation, or characteristics of the violator, influence officer decision-making, though seemingly less frequently than organizational, personal, or external factors. These findings underscore the inherent complexity of law enforcement decision-making processes, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to training, policy development, and an organizational culture that supports effective decision-making. By addressing these multifaceted influences in a targeted manner, law enforcement agencies can work towards enhancing the quality of decision-making and fostering greater trust within their communities.
Recommended Citation
Homan, Herbert B., "Meeting Societal Expectations Through Understanding Police Decision-Making" (2024). Organization Development & Change D.O.D.C. Dissertations. 27.
https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/odc_diss/27