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Articles

Predictors of successful police academy recruits and rationalizations for attrition

Pages 343-359 | Received 04 Jun 2017, Accepted 26 May 2018, Published online: 18 Jun 2018
 

Abstract

Identifying police recruit qualities and effective strategies to promote their success in training academies is important to police executives. This study analyzed quantitative (n = 662) and qualitative data (n = 178) from one such academy to ascertain predictors of performance. Basic abilities, sex, sponsorship, and body mass index were related to graduation for the overall sample. For sponsored (law enforcement funded) recruits prior job termination and age curtailed graduation chances. For non-sponsored recruits, higher basic abilities test scores corresponded to increased graduation potential, while increased body mass index reduced likelihood of graduation. Analyses of non-graduates’ rationalizations revealed sponsored recruits often reported health reasons for withdrawals; assertions supported by satisfactory performances. Non-sponsored recruits’ statements contained more incongruences between rationalizations and performances. While the study was confined to one regional institution and the exit statement sample size was limited, review of relevant literature indicates the findings are widely applicable.

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