Police Professionalism: Problems and Issues in Upgrading an Occupation
| Date | 01 October 1991 |
| Author | Michael W. Small |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X9106400406 |
| Published date | 01 October 1991 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
MICHAEL
W.
SMALL
POLICE PROFESSIONALISM:
PROBLEMS AND ISSUES IN
UPGRADING AN OCCUPATION
Introduction
Police officers assuming 'professional' status in the commonly accepted
usage of the term 'professionalism' is an idea which has been debated for
some time in Australia and is now gaining momentum. Similar to the way
the nursing profession developed some years ago, police forces and their
associations have been analysing the pros and cons
of
becoming a
recognized profession.
Policing and nursing have many similarities, both are human service
organizations, both have a practical orientation, and both occupants have
had a tradition of training their members mainly on the job. However,
during the last few years the nursing profession has undergone adramatic
change in the way its members are trained and inducted. The older style,
hospital-based training programshave now given way todegree programs
at university level. At the present time, police forces in Australia are
undergoing very much the same experience. Police at all levels, from
senior commissioned officer to probationary constable, are hearing the
phrase 'police professionalism' in relation to their occupation. The
question to be addressednow is how does an occupation, e.g. a police force
acquire full professional status?
One method is to develop courses of study or degree programs based
on a formula acceptable to all the interested parties, i.e. the police, the
academic institutions, the employing authorities, and the general public.
Anumber of tertiary institutions in Australia are now offering police-
management or criminal justice related courses. These institutions in
providing programs and courses at the tertiary level will eventually help
to bring about achange in the professionalstatus of police. The Australian
Police Staff College at Manly, New South Wales, could also
playa
role
here. This College has a dual role in that it provides an introduction to
management/executive training in a supportive environment, and at the
same time fulfils the role of a selectionor screening agency for the various
home forces. Attendance at a course usually means that the participating
officers progress up the hierarchy upon return to their own forces.
The Changing Environment of Policing
Australia is currently experiencing aperiod of unprecedented economic,
political and social changewhich is greatly influencing the work of police.
This is illustrated by a number of factors, e.g. the challenge to the
democratic process by single interest groups, changing ethical and moral
value systems, the increasing demands by vociferous minority groups, and
314 October 1991
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