Hvorfor velger politistudentene å bli politi? - Om verdier, idealer og et trygt samfunn

Abstract

What motivates young people to become police officers? This article is based on a qualitative study of newly recruited police students at the Norwegian Police University College in Bodø. From the interview data, the article presents four findings regarding what motivates students to become police officers. These findings show that the choice of occupation is related to the students lived experiences, relationships, attachments, ideals, and values. Analysis of the students lived experiences demonstrates a connection between the students’ upbringing, environment, and their personal and professional ambitions. We discuss these findings from the perspective of virtue ethics, and other recent studies of police students. Finally, we show why virtue ethics is relevant for police work, and suggest how to implement this approach. This topic is one we believe should receive more attention and emphasis in police science and education.