Low self-control and the blue wall: exploring police attitudes on breaking the code of silence

This study contributes to the literature concerning the code of silence and self-control. To our knowledge, no study has simultaneously explored potential associations between dimensions of low self-control (both individually and collectively measured) and police willingness to break the code based on officers’ perceptions toward themselves and other officers in the profession. This study aims to fill out this gap, in addition to exploring the linkage between demographic characteristics and police willingness to break the code. Data were collected via an anonymous online self-report survey completed by 252 police officers from the northeastern U.S. region, using a set of hypothetical scenarios and attitudinal items. Bivariate and multivariate analyses showed consistently a negative association between educational attainment and willingness to break the code of silence. While the composite measure of low self-control exhibited a statistically significant negative correlation with willingness to break the code of silence, three dimensions of low self-control (preference for simple tasks, risk-seeking, and temper) emerged as significant predictors within the multivariate framework. These findings offer insights into the complexities of police perceptions of misconduct in relation to self-control and the code of silence; hereby, they enrich the academic discourse and expand the current knowledge base.