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The paper reports a study if the reasons for joining and beliefs about the police and police work among the Slovenian female police rookies. Fifiy-five female police trainees participated in a survey at the end of their basic police training. It was hypothesised that their beliifs about police and police work were the result of their experience during training, their level of cynicism, support and encouragement from their relatives and friends, as well as their femininity, self-esteem, and doubt about trustworthiness of people, The majority of the hypotheses were confirmed. The results were compared with the results obtained from a sample if 22 male police trainees. The comparison revealed different dynamics if male and female belieis about police and police work, as well as some differences in reasons for joining the police. The results are discussed in terms of their practical value for police recruitment and training.

Purpose -The purpose of the paper is to explore some dimensions of the community policing strategy of the Slovene police, which emphasizes establishment, reinforcement and maintenance of good relations with local communities and new organized ways of setting of priorities in crime prevention and provision of local safety at the local level (i.e. local safety councils). In addition, the paper seeks to present the development of local safety and security efforts in Slovenia based on ideas of making local communities responsible and on partnership in setting priorities in safety/security efforts, prevention of everyday criminal offences and public disorder. Design/methodology/approach -The authors have conducted a study on a sample of 178 representatives of local safety councils in several Slovenian towns. The study focused on the functioning of local safety councils in Slovenia and dealt with advantages and obstacles related to the work of such councils. The authors also reflected on the councils within a broader concept of democratisation and inclusion of citizens in crime prevention and partnership-oriented local problem solving. Findings -Findings show the development of some dimensions of community policing safety, especially democratic ways in setting priorities in local safety and crime prevention efforts. Despite some obstacles, the main advantages of such councils are as follows: democratisation of formal social control and control over the police; cooperation of (responsible) citizens and knowing one another; development of more active cooperation between all local key persons; facilitating of "safety consciousness" and discussions on local problems and "communities that care" mentality.Research limitations/implications -The present research used both quantitative and qualitative approaches, which gave a relatively clear overview of the situation studied. A possible problem in studying priorities in crime prevention and safety provision can be related to the population, which attended the local safety council meetings. They do not necessarily represent the public opinion of local citizens but opinions of local élites dealing with crime and public security issues. Practical implications -The main implications of the paper for policy makers and practitioners are challenges to the further development of local crime prevention efforts, which should be based on partnership, good knowledge (information-and knowledge-based decision making), clear rules or legal framework, financing and accountability. Originality/value -The paper presents the first such study conducted in a post-socialist country, and presents some ideas for the development of common efforts in local (communal) crime prevention and efforts for a safer life in local communities.

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Sources and outcomes of occupational stress among police managers are examined on a sample of 267 senior police officers in one The results are then contrasted with those of 232 managers in private industry in the same country. Managers in the private sector work longer hours, report higher impatience (one component of a Type A behaviour pattern), are more internal in locus of control, rely less on social support as a means of coping with stress, and perceive more masculinity, less uncertainty avoidance, and less long-term orientation in their culture than do their police counterparts. Police managers, on the other hand, perceive more pressures related to their workload, relationships, work hassles, recognition and organisational climate. As a consequence, they are less satisfied with the job itself and with their organisation, and more frequently consider an option of quitting their job. At the same time, police managers report better physical wellbeing and higher mental contentment than their colleagues in private industry. The results are discussed in terms of their practical value for police administrators.