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Police Quarterly
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Fighting Cynicism

Some Reflections on Self-Motivation in Police Work

Micael Björk

Gothenburg University, Micael.Bjork{at}sociology.gu.se

In this article, the author presents some reflections regarding self-motivation among the Gothenburg Metropolitan Police in Sweden. In particular, the author concentrates on the management of ambivalence, that is, the ways in which gang unit officers resist becoming cynical, contemptuous, or even misanthropic. At the same time, it is important for police officers to also avoid becoming overly ambitious, too eager, or fervent in their daily routines. The techniques and mechanisms used in balancing cynicism and over-enthusiasm and in turn giving rise to a culture of reserve are examined in detail. Four perseverance strategies typical of this culture are identified as follows: lateral mobility, redeployment in less criminal areas, separation of concrete police work from grand theory, and adherence to a humanistic style of policing citizens.

Key Words: policing • police culture • police work • community policing • self-motivation

Police Quarterly, Vol. 11, No. 1, 88-101 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/1098611107309010
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