Patrol Officers’ Emotional Intelligence as a Predictor of Success

Professional organizations interested in identifying “star performers” are comparing the results of Emotional Intelligence (EI) tests with job-related performance measures. Emotional intelligence covers areas such as interpersonal relationships, stress management, and decision making. Patrol officers work under stressful and risky conditions, making EI critical to success. Comparing EI scores with supervisors’ job performance ratings, this research examines whether there is a correlation between job performance and EI for patrol officers in the Greenville, North Carolina police department. Although this study found no relationship between EI and supervisors’ performance ratings, these findings could impact the recruiting and promotion practices of police departments when determining how to rate their officers’ performance.

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