Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31306/s.65.1.3
Perception of the impact of the covid-19 pandemic on police work and police officers in Croatia
Ivana Glavina Jelaš
; Visoka policijska škola, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ruža Karlović
; Visoka policijska škola, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jurica Pačelat
; Visoka policijska škola, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The aim of this paper was the examination of the police perception of the COVID-19 pandemic impact on police officers and police work - their stress, mental health, life and work satisfaction as well as to examine the police perception of citizens' behaviour during the strictest restrictive measures due to pandemic in Croatia. Research was conducted on a sample of N = 693 Croatian police officers. For the research, a questionnaire was created and was consisted of 5 subscales which examined police perception of citizens' behaviour; functioning of the police system; change in daily habits; looks to the future and mental health of police officers. The study was preceded by a preliminary study (N = 44). The results showed that at the time of the most severe restrictive rules, most police officers did not perceive significant changes in their own mental health. They also estimated that daily rhythm and habits were as same as before, except for example, they saw their loved ones less often. Most police officers estimated that the scope of work was higher and that it was more difficult compared to the time before the pandemic, but that they performed it well and that they managed well challenges of the pandemic. Furthermore, work severity, worries about pay, anxiety, private life, daily habits, and caring about the health of loved ones have been shown to be significant predictors of police stress levels. Concern about pay, stress, private life, daily habits and police solidarity have also been shown to be significant predictors of their life satisfaction. And the latest regression analysis showed that respect for the police by citizens, equipment, police solidarity, private life and stress were significant predictors of police job satisfaction at the time of the most severe restrictive rules during a pandemic. Regarding the police perception of citizens' behaviour - police officers perceived that citizens were irritated, tense, worried and had many more inquiries compared to the time before the pandemic. They also believed that citizens respected police and police powers more and that they respected pandemic rules and instructions.
Keywords
COVID-19, police, mental health, stress, life satisfaction, job satisfaction
Hrčak ID:
296932
URI
Publication date:
3.4.2023.
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