Drinking and drug use by college students: Comparing criminal justice majors and non-majors

Gray, M. Kevin; Brown, Kenneth E.

doi:10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2009.04.003

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…This indicated the possibility that policing students engaged in fewer overall problem behaviors. This is similar to previous findings that, when controlling for other factors, policing students engaged in less binge drinking than other students but did not differ in terms of drug use (i.e., Gray and Brown, 2009). Still, a significant portion of policing students reported excessive drinking and the implications are discussed.…”

Section: Notessupporting

confidence: 90%

“…In another study, Olivero and Murataya (2001) found that law enforcement students expressed higher levels of homophobia than students in other areas of CJ and non‐CJ students. Gray and Brown (2009) found that students interested in law enforcement engaged in less binge drinking than other students but were indistinguishable in terms of their illegal drug use.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Ironically, despite these students' interest in pursuing law enforcement careers, this group is not free of lawbreakers. Research demonstrates that a significant subgroup of college students of all majors participate in activities that violate employment standards of many police departments (see for example, Cuomo and Dyment, 1994; Gray and Brown, 2009). The current study expands on previous research that examined drinking and drug use of college students by including other problematic behaviors and specifically examining students with an identified career goal in law enforcement – a career where uncovering such behaviors is a standard part of the application process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Problem behaviors of students pursuing policing careers

Gray

2011

Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies &Amp; Management

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PurposeThe current study aims to examine problematic behaviors of college students who identified policing as their career of choice.Design/methodology/approachA self‐report survey was administered and behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, arrest histories, and self‐reported criminality were identified in a sample of 874 undergraduate students, 171 of whom identified policing as their career goal.FindingsFindings indicate that over 60 percent of students (including those interested in becoming police officers) engage in some level of problematic behavior. While policing students engaged in more excessive recent binge drinking, they had a lower rate of arrests and less other‐than‐marijuana drug use than other students.Research limitations/implicationsThis research relies on self‐reported data and therefore under‐ or over‐reporting may occur. While the sample of policing students has similar characteristics to those of current police officers in terms of sex and race, generalizability issues from the entire sample may be present.Practical implicationsFindings suggest the importance of identifying and conveying information to students about problematic behaviors that may prohibit gainful employment. Recruitment implications are discussed for police departments as well as implications for areas of inquiry important for background hiring investigations.Originality/valueThe current research explores problematic behaviors of college students in the context of vocational restrictions that students may face from law enforcement agencies. Findings can better prepare students for such vocations and inform hiring agencies of the range of issues from this population of applicants.

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Section: Notessupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 93%