Police Subculture

In the general sense, a subculture refers to a group of individuals characterized by a distinct set of values, beliefs, and behaviors. The police subculture refers to the beliefs, norms, attitudes, and values that characterize members of the police force, which may be distinct from the beliefs expressed by other individuals or social groups. The concept of the police subculture supposes that police officers adhere to beliefs and behaviors that may be distinct from those of ordinary citizens. Some of the values often associated with the police culture include bravery, solidarity, masculinity, loyalty, and discretion. As with processes of social learning in other forms of subcultures, these beliefs, norms, attitudes, and values may be transmitted from one generation of police officers to another.