Occupational Identity of Police Recruits

This paper reports on a study of police students' motivation to join the NSW Police Force (NSWPF), their identification with the policing profession, and their reasons for choosing their entry path to the NSWPF. The study has important implications for action to reduce the rate at which police leave the force. It was conducted in 2006 and 2007 among students enrolled in two policing degree courses run under collaborative arrangements between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSWPF. In Stage 1, 168 students from the twocourses were surveyed at the point of entry to their degree about their identification with their future occupation as officers in the NSWPF (anticipatory socialisation). There were follow-up surveys of the students from one of the courses at two later points, just prior to their field placement in a police station (Stage 2), and after the placement (Stage 3), to see whether their identification with the policing profession in general, and their motivation and desire to join the NSWPF in particular, were affected by the experience and whether their views differed from those of new entrants. The examination of their identity patterns was also important as a strong occupational identity has been observed to be related to successfully completing the course. The survey has been used to enhance the value of the courses for trainees.