The findings in a study conducted by Donner, Fridell

Sample Solution

   

The study by Donner, Fridell, and Jennings (2016) examined the relationship between self-control and police misconduct, building upon Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) general theory of crime. Here's a breakdown of the key findings and their connection to both theories:

Full Answer Section

    Findings:

• Low self-control significantly correlated with both self-reported past police misconduct and the likelihood of future misconduct. This suggests that police officers with lower self-control are more likely to engage in various forms of misconduct, both on and off duty.
• Both measures of self-control used in the study (based on Gottfredson and Hirschi's original and revised versions) yielded similar results. This strengthens the case for self-control as a robust predictor of police misconduct, regardless of the specific theoretical framework used.

Relevance to Gottfredson and Hirschi's General Theory of Crime:

• Self-control is a central concept in Gottfredson and Hirschi's theory, which posits that individuals with low self-control are more likely to engage in criminal behavior due to their impulsivity, preference for immediate gratification, and disregard for long-term consequences.
• Donner et al.'s findings extend this theory by applying it to the specific context of police misconduct. This suggests that the same factors that drive individuals towards criminal behavior in general can also motivate police officers with low self-control to engage in misconduct, such as using excessive force, making biased arrests, or engaging in corruption.

Implications:

• The study highlights the importance of self-control in police recruitment and training. Assessing potential officers for self-control through psychological evaluations and developing training programs that foster greater self-regulation could be crucial in preventing misconduct.
• The findings also underscore the need for strong accountability mechanisms within police departments. This includes effective internal investigations, fair disciplinary procedures, and robust external oversight to address instances of misconduct and deter future occurrences.

Conclusion: Donner et al.'s study provides valuable insights into the relationship between self-control and police misconduct. By drawing upon Gottfredson and Hirschi's general theory of crime, the study sheds light on the underlying motivations behind police misconduct and emphasizes the importance of addressing low self-control as a potential risk factor. These findings can inform policies and practices aimed at promoting ethical police conduct and building public trust in law enforcement.