Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

David Rentler

Abstract

Police agencies struggle with police officer attrition, resulting in agencies needing to hire new officers. This process is costly and results in unwise decision-making by police officers due to inexperience, excessive use of force, and ultimate distrust of police by civilians. Job satisfaction can diminish attrition and excessive use of force and increases both prudent decision-making and civilian trust. The characteristics of personality traits, education level, and resilience contributing to job satisfaction were addressed in the current study using a nonexperimental predictive correlational design. An online assessment of the Big Five traits, resilience, and job satisfaction, in addition to a question on education level, was used in this correlational design study. Responses from a nonprobability convenience sample of 47 participants from three rural police agencies in the western United States were collected. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results indicated extroversion to be a significant predictor of job satisfaction. Findings from this study contributed to positive social change by identifying characteristics and factors that contribute to job satisfaction in law enforcement that can result in police officer retention, prudent decision-making, decreased use of force, and increased civilian trust.

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