Worker job satisfaction is a topic that drives much research in many professions. Identifying the factors that lead to a successful and gratifying work experience for workers has many positive benefits for both the worker and employer. While studies of job satisfaction have flourished since the 1930s in organizational and management literature, studies of job satisfaction for police officers began in the late 1960s. Job satisfaction studies of criminal justice personnel have typically been limited to police officers and correctional workers. Much of the scope of these studies has been limited to linking the demographic characteristics of these criminal justice personnel to job satisfaction.
This study identifies the correlates of job satisfaction for officers in a distinct role in policing, SROs. Using data from self-report surveys, 170 SROs who were members of the Ohio School Resource Officer Association as of March, 2008, revealed by an overwhelming majority that they were satisfied with this role in policing. Along with data regarding the demographic and geographic characteristics of the sample, SROs were surveyed regarding role diversity and preference for duties, according to the Triad Model for school policing. SROs demonstrated a strong preference for duties that were outside traditional law-enforcement. However, due to the nature of their role in schools, SROs find themselves typically engaged in activities more aligned with traditional policing. The effect of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on job satisfaction was explored. SROs expressed satisfaction with factors that were motivating and intrinsic in nature.
Officers in this sample were found to be satisfied with their jobs, intrinsically motivated, and did not have high levels of work stress. They were educated, male, and volunteered for the position of SRO. The effects of non-response bias, as well as the implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.