Date of Award

2023

Degree Name

Leadership Studies

College

College of Education and Professional Development

Type of Degree

Ed.D.

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Dr. Ronald Childress, Committee Chairperson

Second Advisor

Dr. Bobbi Nicholson

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert Rubenstein

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative pilot study was to investigate the perceptions of selected law enforcement leaders regarding the impending transition in law enforcement agencies in a post-2020 society. Specific elements of this transition investigated included recruitment, training, socialization, leadership roles/qualifications, change strategies/process, stakeholder involvement, and measures of success. Purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling were used to select study participants. Study participants (N=21) were active sworn law enforcement leaders in a law enforcement agency in North Carolina. Participants possessed a broad range of law enforcement years of experience and/or leadership/supervisory experience at a minimum rank of lieutenant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 law enforcement leaders to gather their perspective regarding the transition of law enforcement agencies. Thematic analysis was used to organize and interpret the information collected to a post-2020 environment. Findings suggest law enforcement leaders support the transition occurring in this post-2020 society and law enforcement agencies must adapt to ensure a positive culture and to effectively serve the community. Further research suggestions include studying agencies from multiple states, studying the perspective of female law enforcement leaders only and studying the perspective of police chiefs only.

Subject(s)

Law enforcement – North Carolina.

Law enforcement – Study and teaching.

Educational leadership – Research.

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