Date Approved

2004

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Criminal Justice (M.S.)

Degree Program

School of Criminal Justice

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate how newer police officers are familiarized into their agency with respect to the manner in which they were trained and mentored. The concept of mentoring programs has been highly successful in the private and business sectors for many years. Since the concept of formal mentoring programs in law enforcement is largely limited to date, this study incorporates research in several other disciplines, to determine if there may be a corollary regarding law enforcement and other disciplines, and if so, to what degree mentoring exists among patrol officers. A survey was distributed to patrol commanders of randomly selected police agencies within the State of Michigan. The questionnaire was designed to determine if mentoring existed within their respective agency and if so, in what form. Also, the survey sought to determine the effectiveness of the mentoring. The research found that informal mentoring occurs in relationships with other officers and is widely used. Most law enforcement agencies also report that the impact of informal mentoring is positive, however many concerns also exist.

Comments

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