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This study explored, first, the self- versus other perceptions of New Zealand police officers and university students and, second, each group's perceptions of how they were viewed by the other. Perceptions were measured by an attitude rating scale consisting of 15 semantic differential dimensions. The results showed that each group's self-perceptions were different from the perceptions by the other group and that both groups had rather accurate ideas of how they were perceived by the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male and female citizens' perception of male and female police officers was measured by a rating scale consisting of 14 semantic differential dimensions. The main between-subjects effect (sex of subjects) was not significant. Female subjects, however, rated policewomen as faster, stronger, and more effective than the male subjects did. Both male and female police officers were perceived as courteous, friendly, and helpful as well as considerate. Male officers were also rated as strong and suspicious; female officers were also seen as fair, kind, protective, and patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The study examined ethnic group stereotyping by samples of police recruits (n = 41), senior policemen (n = 37), and university students (n = 42) in New Zealand. The attitudes towards four of the ethnic groups in New Zealand (Maori, Samoan, N.Z. Chinese, and English immigrants) were measured. The attitude scale consisted of 12 semantic differential dimensions. The results showed that there was no overall attitudinal difference among the three S samples. However, the data revealed a differential pattern of attitude stereotyping for the four ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The distribution of Type A vs Type B individuals in the New Zealand police services was compared with that in the general population. An adapted form of the Bortner Rosenman's Scale was given to a first-year university student sample, a police recruit sample, a police officer sample, and a sample from the general population. The results showed that the two police samples had significantly lower Type A scores than the two general population samples. Within the police sample, the mean Type A scores for College instructors and senior sergeants were significantly higher than those for senior constables and youth aid officers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]