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New Hungarian Police Officer

NCJ Number
154515
Author(s)
F Oosterwijk
Date Published
1994
Length
187 pages
Annotation
This book describes the new educational system for and the role of police officers in Hungary, particularly in response to recent changes in the political landscape.
Abstract
The Hungarian Police Force (HPF) is experiencing a process of change associated with the transition of Hungarian society from a closed socialist system to an open democratic community. The goal of the new HPF is a professional and self-assured police officer who is integrated in society and is considered a politically independent, neutral, and valued citizen. The first group of about 350 police officers that finished Hungary's new educational program entered the HPF in 1994. A research project was initiated to determine whether these police officers encountered a working environment that matched their expectations. It was found that significant discrepancies existed between the newly educated police officers and their working environment. Conflicting issues included independence, autonomy, and leadership style. New police officers expected to have more independence and autonomy, and they definitely preferred participative and relationship-oriented superiors. Recommendations are offered that focus on the police organization, participative leadership, police integrity, police salaries, and police-society relationships. The importance of emphasizing three dimensions in police education is noted: (1) police professionalism; (2) police officer job design; and (3) democratic character of the police organization. Changes in the policing systems of Hungary and the Netherlands are compared. Additional information and data on the HPF is provided in annexes. References, tables, and figures