Patrol officers and problem solving: An application of expectancy theory

Problem solving has been recognized as a key aspect of community policing. We use expectancy motivation theory to explain variation in police officers' problem-solving behavior. Specifically, we expect that the amount of problem solving performed by officers will be explained by (1) the opportunity to do so, (2) the ability to do so, (3) the likelihood that officers will be recognized by their performance in this area, and (4) police officers' calculation of the costs and rewards of such behavior. Using data collected from ridealongs with police officers, we find that officers who engage in more problem-solving are motivated by potential recognition of such behavior. We also find that expectancy motivation theory provides a more likely explanation for the behavior of community police officers than that of traditional “beat” officers.