Understanding Morale in a Southern State’s Law Enforcement Agency in Times of Ongoing National Anti-Police Sentiments
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Authors
Cudjoe-Hodge Johnson, Suzette
Issue Date
2026-02
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Morale , officer's support system , anti-police sentiment , Business, Engineering, Science, & Technological Innovation , Criminal Justice & Public Safety
Alternative Title
Abstract
The prevailing negative perceptions of the police have notably affected the morale of law enforcement officers. Beginning with the death of Michael Brown in the summer of 2014 and later the death of George Floyd in the spring of 2020, interactions between officers and people within their communities have significantly changed (Stirling, 2022). The problem of a nationwide decline in the morale of law enforcement officers (PERF, 2021) was framed using General Strain Theory (GST) and provided a distinctive explanation of morale. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how national ongoing anti-police sentiment shaped the morale of law enforcement officers in a southern state that did not experience issues of defunding and riots that many areas of the country experienced. This study engaged 34 participants in interviews about their perceived morale surrounding national ongoing anti-police sentiment. Thematic analysis identified three themes: Having a reliable support system helped officers sustain morale through emotional encouragement and shared coping strategies; officers perceived that national ongoing anti-police sentiment and public criticism lowered morale by creating feelings of frustration, diminished public support and reduced professional pride, particularly as they faced scrutiny over excessive and lethal use of force amid calls for police reform and accountability; and officers experience declining morale as they balance the emotional toll of daily duties with the added strain of public distrust and national ongoing anti-police sentiment while striving to uphold their oath to protect and serve. The research showed that public criticism and negative sentiment may diminish an officer’s morale. To improve morale, officers need a leadership style that prioritizes open communication, positive reinforcement, and fosters a culture of support. Future research on declining morale should focus on a holistic approach that evaluates intervention strategies.