Civilian Participation in Public Safety

The Case of the Hungarian Civil Volunteer Guard

Bibliographic Data

ID22416710
AuthorsPál Kardos (0000-0002-4965-035X, Ludovika University of Public Service, Budapest, Other (Non-USA), Hungary, corresponding author)
Year2026
Publication date2026-05-19
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCriminal Justice Policy Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0887-4034 • E-ISSN: 1552-3586
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/08874034261447776
OpenAlexW7161821767
LanguageEN
References cited21

This paper investigated the motivations, activities, satisfaction levels, and organizational perceptions of members of the Hungarian Civil Volunteer Guard (Polgárőrség) based on a nationwide quantitative survey of 431 volunteers. Using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and hypothesis testing, the study identified key factors influencing member satisfaction and future commitment. Results showed that higher volunteering hours and frequent cooperation with the police were strongly associated with greater satisfaction and organizational loyalty, while demographic variables such as gender, age, and education exerted minimal influence. Open-ended responses further revealed pressing challenges related to recruitment, public recognition, resource distribution, and institutional collaboration. The results emphasize that the organization’s future sustainability depends primarily on active member engagement and improved public visibility. The findings signal the need to adapt policy toward a sustainable future for the Civil Guard underpinned by greater involvement, public recognition, and integration.

Coast guard · Descriptive statistics · Job satisfaction · Perception · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Hungarian Social, Economic and Educational Studies · Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering · Policing Practices and Perceptions

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