Professional Development
Scroll below to select research from the following scholars
Dr. Tammy DeVenturi
Title: Owner and CEO of DeVenturi, LLC
Research Topic: Exploring the Skill Improvements Managers Need in a Prison Organization to Reduce Prison Violence
Institution: Colorado Technical University
Committee Chairperson: Alexa Schmitt, PhD
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to explore the skill improvements managers need in a prison organization to reduce prison violence. The problem identified was the skill improvements managers need to reduce prison violence, which are often complicated by the different perceptions concerning what skill improvements should be acquired to ensure a secure facility and lower prison violence. The research question asked: what are the skill improvements managers need in a prison organization to reduce prison violence? The exploratory qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to gain information from 10 participants who have worked as prison management within the prison organization for a minimum of 10 years to understand the perception of prison management. The population for the study was prison managers found on the North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents (NAAWS) website. The NAAWS receives input from both active and retired wardens on current issues, influences, and changes within the prison organization. Data was analyzed by using semi-structured interviews and open-ended question to recognize emerging themes. The following themes emerged: (a) communication, (b) people business and community, (c) safety and security, and (d) pro-active and strategy. The key findings suggest these are skill improvements that should be implemented for reducing prison violence. Prison managers who understand the goals and needs of the organization and are willing to communicate, mentor others, and lead by example must develop effective skill improvements initiatives.
Click here to download the study
Title: Owner and CEO of DeVenturi, LLC
Research Topic: Exploring the Skill Improvements Managers Need in a Prison Organization to Reduce Prison Violence
Institution: Colorado Technical University
Committee Chairperson: Alexa Schmitt, PhD
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to explore the skill improvements managers need in a prison organization to reduce prison violence. The problem identified was the skill improvements managers need to reduce prison violence, which are often complicated by the different perceptions concerning what skill improvements should be acquired to ensure a secure facility and lower prison violence. The research question asked: what are the skill improvements managers need in a prison organization to reduce prison violence? The exploratory qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to gain information from 10 participants who have worked as prison management within the prison organization for a minimum of 10 years to understand the perception of prison management. The population for the study was prison managers found on the North American Association of Wardens & Superintendents (NAAWS) website. The NAAWS receives input from both active and retired wardens on current issues, influences, and changes within the prison organization. Data was analyzed by using semi-structured interviews and open-ended question to recognize emerging themes. The following themes emerged: (a) communication, (b) people business and community, (c) safety and security, and (d) pro-active and strategy. The key findings suggest these are skill improvements that should be implemented for reducing prison violence. Prison managers who understand the goals and needs of the organization and are willing to communicate, mentor others, and lead by example must develop effective skill improvements initiatives.
Click here to download the study
| exploring_the_skill_improvements_for_prison_management_-_tammy_main.pdf |
Dr. Phillip R. Neely, Jr.
Title: Associate Professor Saint Leo University
Research Topic:The Impact of Job-Related Stressors on Incidents of Excessive Force by Police Officers
Committee Chairperson: Dr. David Milen
Abstract: The present study addresses the relationship between job-related stressors and incidents of police misconduct, a concept that has largely been neglected in policing literature. Manzoni and Eisner’s conceptualization of stress-strain theory provided the foundation for the research. Specifically, this study examines individual differences in the perception of how job-related stressors such as departmental leadership, departmental policies and regulations, and departmental climate are related to incidents of police misconduct expressed through the exercise of excessive force. The research question sought to determine if the link between occupational stress and excessive force was perceived differently across African-American and white police officers. This quantitative survey design employed the Police Survey of Job Related Stress (PSJRS) among a convenience sample of 94 active police officers (49 African American and 45 white) from a southern U.S. state. T-tests and the Mann-Whitney test were used to document statistically significant differences between white and African American officers across the perceived connection linking the core PSJRS dimensions of job-related stressors to excessive force misconduct. The results reinforced the need for ongoing training to prevent police misconduct and excessive use of force. Furthermore, results of the study suggest that having clear administrative policies and procedures to minimize job-related stress and offering diversity training further reduce the use of excessive force. Findings benefit police officers because they offer specific recommendations on improving training, which, in turn, creates opportunities for police to mend relationships with and better serve communities. These results promote positive social change by reinforcing social bonds between police and communities and creating safer places to live.
Title: Associate Professor Saint Leo University
Research Topic:The Impact of Job-Related Stressors on Incidents of Excessive Force by Police Officers
Committee Chairperson: Dr. David Milen
Abstract: The present study addresses the relationship between job-related stressors and incidents of police misconduct, a concept that has largely been neglected in policing literature. Manzoni and Eisner’s conceptualization of stress-strain theory provided the foundation for the research. Specifically, this study examines individual differences in the perception of how job-related stressors such as departmental leadership, departmental policies and regulations, and departmental climate are related to incidents of police misconduct expressed through the exercise of excessive force. The research question sought to determine if the link between occupational stress and excessive force was perceived differently across African-American and white police officers. This quantitative survey design employed the Police Survey of Job Related Stress (PSJRS) among a convenience sample of 94 active police officers (49 African American and 45 white) from a southern U.S. state. T-tests and the Mann-Whitney test were used to document statistically significant differences between white and African American officers across the perceived connection linking the core PSJRS dimensions of job-related stressors to excessive force misconduct. The results reinforced the need for ongoing training to prevent police misconduct and excessive use of force. Furthermore, results of the study suggest that having clear administrative policies and procedures to minimize job-related stress and offering diversity training further reduce the use of excessive force. Findings benefit police officers because they offer specific recommendations on improving training, which, in turn, creates opportunities for police to mend relationships with and better serve communities. These results promote positive social change by reinforcing social bonds between police and communities and creating safer places to live.
| dissertation1.pdf |
Dr. Lynn DeSpain
Title: Affiliate Faculty, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Regis University
Research Topic: The Relationship Between Police Supervisor Training And Job Satisfaction Levels As Reported By Patrol Officers
Committee Chair: Dr. Gerald Griffin
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the relationship between supervisor training completed by first-line police officers and the level of job satisfaction reported by the police officers they supervise. This non-experimental, quantitative, comparative study used leadership theory to establish research questions. A comprehensive literature review developed considerations for training for police supervisors as well as the impact of job satisfaction in law enforcement. The population for this study included patrol officers and first-line supervisors at the Henderson Police Department in Nevada. Using the JDI/JIG survey and multivariate statistical analysis including ANOVA, the study concluded that job satisfaction, particularly general job satisfaction, was significantly impacted by supervisors’ hours of leadership training, level of education, and age.
Title: Affiliate Faculty, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Regis University
Research Topic: The Relationship Between Police Supervisor Training And Job Satisfaction Levels As Reported By Patrol Officers
Committee Chair: Dr. Gerald Griffin
Abstract: This study aimed to determine the relationship between supervisor training completed by first-line police officers and the level of job satisfaction reported by the police officers they supervise. This non-experimental, quantitative, comparative study used leadership theory to establish research questions. A comprehensive literature review developed considerations for training for police supervisors as well as the impact of job satisfaction in law enforcement. The population for this study included patrol officers and first-line supervisors at the Henderson Police Department in Nevada. Using the JDI/JIG survey and multivariate statistical analysis including ANOVA, the study concluded that job satisfaction, particularly general job satisfaction, was significantly impacted by supervisors’ hours of leadership training, level of education, and age.
| despain_dissertation.pdf |