What are the most important components of a police uniform? Qualitative insight from a sample of Canadians

Bibliographic Data

ID21177263
AuthorsRylan Simpson (0000-0003-3214-3797, Simon Fraser University, corresponding author), Madison Charman (0000-0002-3248-8392, Barrie Urology Group), Viktoria Tumilowicz (Barrie Urology Group), Rich Johnston (Barrie Police Service), Rich D Johnston (0000-0001-6618-2853, Barrie Urology Group)
Year2024
Volume25
Issue4
Pages498-506
Publication date2024-07-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolice Practice and Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1561-4263 • E-ISSN: 1477-271X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/15614263.2024.2325700
OpenAlexW4392514913
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited22

Uniforms are an important element of policing. Manipulations to police uniforms, including via the addition, removal and/or alteration of equipment, can impact public perceptions of officers. As part of the present research, we sought to qualitatively assess how the public interpret police uniforms. We asked a large sample of Canadians (N = 1,997) to freeform describe what they believed to be the most important components of a police uniform. Using a detailed codebook, we then coded participants’ responses to identify patterns. Among the themes identified, participants most frequently referenced equipment and presentation as well as institutional recognition as the most important components of a police uniform. Participants also frequently referenced the functionality of the uniform as well as its image. We discuss our results in the context of policing research and practice

Criminology · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Occupational Health and Performance · Policing Practices and Perceptions · Psychology

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