Emotional intelligence and the police

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The law enforcement community is constantly being scrutinized and criticized regarding the manner in which officers interact with the public that they serve. Research indicates that functional or higher levels of emotional intelligence enhance a person's ability to interact effectively with others. Research also indicates that emotional intelligence may be learned. Given the nature of the policing, the potential benefit to law enforcement agencies employing officers with functional or high levels of emotional intelligence was assumed to be a desirable attribute. Can the emotional intelligence level of a patrol sergeant impact the emotional intelligence level of his or her subordinates? Recommendations were suggested that included 1) the use of an abilities-based EQ-i test instrument for future research, 2) the use of experiments within the ranks of supervisors and field training officers to determine if enhancement of emotional intelligence will have a quantifiable effect on subordinate personnel, 3) the use of emotional intelligence enhancement training, and 4) the use of and participation in emotional intelligence research projects directed toward the policing profession.