Police Subculture Research Paper

A subculture is made up of the symbols, beliefs, values, and attitudes shared by members of a subgroup within a larger society according to our book: Criminal Justice in America 7e. Like a subculture of any professional group, police subculture is defined as a specific set of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors exhibited by those in law enforcement according to study.com. The subculture of the police helps exemplify the “cops world” and roles each officer plays in it. The dynamic of ‘us’ (the police) in contrast to ‘them’ (the public) can create both a positive and negative attitude for the police.

All officers grew up in different ways of life, believing and having different morals that set them apart from one another. This is can either affect
the subculture of a police officer in a small or big way. Police officers are often looked at as they are the “protectors of peace” which can turn them against the general public and in return turn the public against them. This can also create the outlook police officers have toward the general public as potential crime victims. For example, if a police officer had a connection with an alcoholic, he/she may view the crime more or less depending on he/she sensitivity toward it. Although, I personally believe and respect the officers in uniform helping to keep and run our towns, states, etc smoothly, it is unfortunate all the hate they have been receiving lately.