Graduation Term
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Criminal Justice Sciences
Committee Chair
Michael Rossler
Committee Member
Ashley Farmer
Committee Member
Mijin Kim
Abstract
Police officer retention has been identified as a significant challenge for agencies across the United States. Factors that influence officer attrition, the effects of attrition, and how police agencies can modify job conditions to mitigate the problem have received increasing research attention. However, examinations of the specific factors that may influence officers of color to leave the policing field as a career are comparatively limited. Retaining officers who are underrepresented in policing is particularly important, as increasing the diversity of departments is listed as an integral part of improved police-community relations. Drawing upon a survey of officers from eight police agencies across the United States, the current study examined how race impacts officers’ intentions to leave their career field. The results showed significant differences between Black and non-Black officers. Surprisingly, Black/African American officers were identified to express more job satisfaction and, at the same time, more likely to quit policing as a career. The study presents policy implications for how police agencies can reduce officer turnover, retain newly recruited minority officers, and foster diversity.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Akuma-Zanu, Constantus, "The Impact of Race on Police Officer Retention" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 2206.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2206
DOI
https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD.1763755358.602856