Police Officers and School Settings: Examining the Influence of the School Environment on Officer Roles and Job Satisfaction
Advisor Information
Dr. Samantha Clinkinbeard
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 1:30 PM
End Date
7-3-2014 1:45 PM
Abstract
Despite growing numbers of school police personnel, little research has examined how school environments influence officers assigned to school resource officer (SRO) programs. This study explored officers’ perceptions of their roles and job satisfaction. Fifty-two SROs from a statewide Midwestern region were matched to 328 patrol officers at a Midwestern agency. Findings revealed, compared to patrol officers, SROs performed fewer order maintenance tasks, reported lower levels of role conflict, and were more satisfied along one dimension of job satisfaction. Results supported the link between role perceptions and job satisfaction, suggesting officers in a specialized position were protected from sources of role conflict, which poses implications for improving the job performance and wellbeing of officers.
Police Officers and School Settings: Examining the Influence of the School Environment on Officer Roles and Job Satisfaction
UNO Criss Library, Room 231
Despite growing numbers of school police personnel, little research has examined how school environments influence officers assigned to school resource officer (SRO) programs. This study explored officers’ perceptions of their roles and job satisfaction. Fifty-two SROs from a statewide Midwestern region were matched to 328 patrol officers at a Midwestern agency. Findings revealed, compared to patrol officers, SROs performed fewer order maintenance tasks, reported lower levels of role conflict, and were more satisfied along one dimension of job satisfaction. Results supported the link between role perceptions and job satisfaction, suggesting officers in a specialized position were protected from sources of role conflict, which poses implications for improving the job performance and wellbeing of officers.