Relationship between self-control and police misconduct

Briefly, discuss the findings in a study conducted by Donner, Fridell, and Jennings (2016) pertaining to the relationship between self-control and police misconduct. In doing so, discuss Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) general theory of crime as it is relative to self-control theory and police misconduct.

Full Answer Section

         
  • Impulsive: They act on immediate desires without considering long-term consequences.
  • Risk-taking: They prefer exciting, dangerous, or adventurous activities.
  • Self-centered: They are insensitive to the needs and feelings of others.
  • Physical (rather than mental): They prefer physical activities over those requiring intellectual effort.
  • Short-sighted: They focus on immediate gratification.
  • Having a low tolerance for frustration: They get easily angered or agitated when their desires are thwarted.
Relativity to Police Misconduct: The general theory of crime is highly relevant to understanding police misconduct because it proposes that these traits of low self-control can manifest in various deviant behaviors, regardless of an individual's profession. Therefore, police officers with low self-control would be more prone to engaging in misconduct because:
  • Opportunity: Policing often provides opportunities for immediate gratification (e.g., taking bribes, using excessive force to achieve immediate compliance) and less supervision, particularly for patrol officers.
  • Risk-taking: The nature of police work itself involves risk, and individuals with low self-control might be more inclined to engage in unauthorized or dangerous behaviors that provide a thrill or a quick solution.
  • Impulsivity and Low Frustration Tolerance: Stressful situations and encounters with defiant individuals can trigger impulsive and aggressive responses in officers with low self-control, leading to excessive force or verbal abuse.
  • Self-centeredness: A lack of empathy, a characteristic of low self-control, can contribute to officers disregarding citizens' rights or dignity, resulting in unethical behavior.
Donner, Fridell, and Jennings' (2016) study directly supports the application of Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory to police misconduct, demonstrating that the individual trait of low self-control, as conceptualized by the general theory, is indeed a significant factor in explaining why some officers engage in deviant acts. This highlights the importance of considering individual characteristics, particularly self-control, in efforts to understand and prevent police misconduct.

Sample Answer

         

Donner, Fridell, and Jennings (2016) conducted a study examining the relationship between self-control and police misconduct. Their findings, based on a multi-agency sample of first-line police supervisors, indicated a significant relationship between self-control and self-reported prior engagement in police misconduct, as well as the likelihood of future misconduct. They utilized both Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) original conceptualization of self-control theory and Hirschi's revised version. The study concluded that low self-control was indeed a predictor of various forms of police misconduct.

Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) General Theory of Crime as it is relative to Self-Control Theory and Police Misconduct: Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) general theory of crime, also known as self-control theory, posits that low self-control is the primary cause of all crime and "analogous behaviors" (behaviors that share characteristics with crime but are not necessarily illegal, such as speeding, excessive drinking, or illicit drug use). They characterize low self-control as a stable individual trait that develops early in life, primarily due to ineffective parenting practices.