ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews theory and research related to the traditional approach to police personality. It focuses on the traits assumed to characterize all police officers; the traditional approach emphasizes the differences between police officers and members of other population groups. The chapter describes an approach to police personality, the status model of personality. Police departments are characterized by strong hierarchical structures and clear-cut chains of command. A. Niederhoffer theory and the questionnaire he developed have generated more research than any other issue involving the police. Neuroticism was measured with the Eysenck Personality Inventory, and results found that neuroticism was not characteristic of New York City police officers. Research has shown that police score within the normal range on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory clinical scales but lower than civilians on neuroticism. Police officers who work together as partners have an intensive work relationship.
