| The purpose of this quasi-experimental design was to examine by statistical analysis the relationship between self-efficacy and education level for 162 patrol officers in southeastern Michigan. This study reflects the findings from two police departments located in southeastern Michigan. Previous research has provided mixed perspectives on the benefits of a college education and police officers' levels of job satisfaction and performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a casual impact of an intervention between an officer's level of education and their self-efficacy. The General Self-Efficacy Scale was used to determine participant's self-efficacy scores on a 4-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. Findings from this study indicated a moderately positive level of significance from police officers with college education as having a higher level of self-efficacy than for police officers without a college education. The study findings exhibit a gainful insight to police officers' reflective judgments, communication skills, and critical thinking. The study findings suggest a more comprehensive approach is needed to produce police officers with a higher level of self-efficacy. By accessing the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) survey tool, several other factors may have contributed to police officers positive level of self-efficacy. Further research regarding time in service, age, and promotional opportunities may influence self-efficacy level. |
