Newcomer socialization to policing: the role of family support and work-family conflict
Ann Marie Ryan, Deepshikha Chatterjee, Jo M. Alanis, Jordan Holmes, Joie Magalona, Juli Liebler, Xiaolong ZhangPurpose
The aim of this study was to examine the roles of family support and work-family conflict on attrition during training.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed-methods approach (surveys and interviews), we examined a sample of state troopers undergoing an intensive formal training program.
Findings
Family support influenced socialization outcomes including attrition. Experienced work-family conflict did not relate to attrition, but related to experienced engagement, stress, satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Qualitative data indicated that sense-making regarding boundary management may have led some to conclude that policing was incompatible with their lives outside of work.
Originality/value
Though literature on training and socialization of police officers has proliferated, this is the first study to examine how work-family conflict, family support, and sense-making while in training affect attrition and other socialization outcomes.