ABSTRACT

This study seeks to extend control-balance theory by establishing a causal connection between control-balance and cynicism, using a sample of law enforcement officers. Data collected from a large, metropolitan police agency indicates that control-balance, which is the control exerted by an individual compared to the control experienced by the individual, has a highly significant relationship with control-balance. Officers with a control deficit, who experience more control than they exert, espouse more cynical attitudes toward organizational functions of the police department. This research is necessary since police are the first point of contact between the general public and the criminal justice system, and their attitude and actions can impact public perceptions of police legitimacy, as well as fairness and equity within the criminal justice system.

摘要

本研究旨在通过使用执法人员样本建立控制平衡和愤世嫉俗之间的因果关系来扩展控制平衡理论。从一个大型的大都市警察机构收集的数据表明，控制平衡，即个人施加的控制与个人所经历的控制相比，与控制平衡具有高度显着的关系。控制缺陷的警官，他们体验到的控制多于他们的控制，他们对警察部门的组织职能持更愤世嫉俗的态度。这项研究是必要的，因为警察是公众与刑事司法系统之间的第一个接触点，他们的态度和行为会影响公众对警察合法性的看法，