Prediction of dysfunctional job behaviors among law enforcement officers

This study examined the predictability of dysfunctional job behaviors among law enforcement officers using 3 scales (Responsibility, Socialization, an d Self-Control) of the California Psychological Inventory (H. G. Cough, 199 5) that were hypothesized to assess the construct of conscientiousness, and 3 construct-oriented life history indices (drug use, criminal, work). Law enforcement officers were classified into disciplinary and control groups ( n = 109 each), using a matched-case control study design. Mean differences between the 2 criterion groups on the 6 predictor variables were all statis tically significant and in the hypothesized direction. The results are disc ussed in the context of conscientiousness as an explanatory construct, the relationship between life history and personality constructs, and methodolo gical concerns in the development of construct-oriented life history indice s.