| The present study addresses the relationship between job-related stressors and incidents of police misconduct, a concept that has largely been neglected in policing literature. Manzoni and Eisner's conceptualization of stress-strain theory provided the foundation for the research. Specifically, this study examines individual differences in the perception of how job-related stressors such as departmental leadership, departmental policies and regulations, and departmental climate are related to incidents of police misconduct expressed through the exercise of excessive force. The research question sought to determine if the link between occupational stress and excessive force was perceived differently across African-American and white police officers. This quantitative survey design employed the Police Survey of Job Related Stress (PSJRS) among a convenience sample of 94 active police officers (49 African American and 45 white) from a southern U.S. state. T-tests and the Mann-Whitney test were used to document statistically significant differences between white and African American officers across the perceived connection linking the core PSJRS dimensions of job-related stressors to excessive force misconduct. The results reinforced the need for ongoing training to prevent police misconduct and excessive use of force. Furthermore, results of the study suggest that having clear administrative policies and procedures to minimize job-related stress and offering diversity training further reduce the use of excessive force. Findings benefit police officers because they offer specific recommendations on improving training, which, in turn, creates opportunities for police to mend relationships with and better serve communities. These results promote positive social change by reinforcing social bonds between police and communities and creating safer places to live. |
