Emerald | Police Studies: Intnl Review of Police Development | Table of Contents

Routine activities and the spatial-temporal variation of calls for police service: the experience of opposites on the quality of life spectrum

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (James LeBeau, Richard Coulson) — Sun, 01 Dec 1996 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

People call the police and want them to handle a variety of matters besides criminal ones. The city is divided into various communities with different functions and routine activity patterns. This paper examines how calls for police service vary with routine activities and time between two residential areas that are opposites on the quality of life spectrum. The study site is Charlotte, North Carolina, and the data are the calls for service received by the police department during 1986.

Evaluation of standardized field sobriety tests training in North Carolina

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Vivian B. Lord) — Sun, 01 Dec 1996 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SFST training in North Carolina. Effectiveness was assessed by comparing differences in the following variables before and after training: (1) the officers’ DWI arrest rates, (2) the officers’ DWI conviction rates, and (3) the arrested drivers’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. Other variables examined included: the officers’ confidence levels in (4) identifying DWI drivers, (5) writing complete and accurate reports about DWI drivers; and (6) testifying clearly and convincingly in court. The results of this study suggest that officers equipped with SFST training are more confident in their abilities to detect DWI offenders, to write a complete and accurate report, and to testify in court clearly and convincingly. Also there is some evidence that these increased abilities correlate with an increase in DWI arrests.

Police satisfaction with their jobs: arresting officers in the District of Columbia

Sun, 01 Dec 1996 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Over three hundred police officers from the District of Columbia were surveyed as they waited for court appearances. Although police officers were satisfied with their jobs, morale was low. Background and situational variables did not adequately predict satisfaction levels. Satisfaction levels were better predicted given an officer’s attitudes toward their fellow officers, their superiors, and the race-relations/promotion process within the Department.

The future of policing in Turkey: current and proposed organizational changes in public policing

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ahmet H. Aydin) — Sun, 01 Dec 1996 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Turkish police organizational structures have changed dramatically since their inception and it is likely that further organizational changes and restructuring in police services will take place in the near future. Currently there is a trend slowly towards decentralization from the existing highly centralized system, and there are some proposals for future changes. This paper first of all explores different forms of police organizations responsible for public policing, then it considers the current slow trend towards decentralization and proposals for future changes in central and provincial police units. The paper argues that although there is evidence of decentralization, it is likely to take long time realize a decentralized policing system in Turkey.

Hailing and boarding: the psychological impact of US coast guard boardings

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (G.O.W. Mueller, Freda Adler) — Sun, 01 Dec 1996 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Measures the impact of armed US Coast Guard boardings on those aboard boarded vessels. A sample of fifty subjects (half members of a graduate class on “Maritime Crime and its Prevention”, half others), completed questionnaires after experiencing a (pre-arranged but undisclosed) interception and boarding by a US Coast Guard Cutter of the vessel on which they were traveling. Subjects reported satisfaction with the conduct of the boarding, but experienced different anxiety levels during the encounter, ranging from low levels (one third), medium levels (one third) to relatively high levels of anxiety. Boarding parties should be concerned with the latter group. Training and sensitivity to deal with that group needs to be emphasized.