iod in the history of the police associations, militancy characterized their activities only in the 1917-1919 and 1937-1942 periods. A third period of police activism began in the mid-1960s in reaction to the social changes that began in American society in that era. This third period of police militancy continues in the mid-1990s. The duration of the current period of police militancy in relation to earlier periods of police activism implies that police militancy is no longer a temporary phenomenon developing in reaction to a specific societal situation, but rather has become a permanent part of the character of the corporate body of American police.
The tactics used by some of the nation's larger police associations in the pursuit of organizational goals has created disquiet and animosity among some politicians, public administrators, and members of the general public. In some instances, even association members are disheartened and angered by the actions of and policies pursued by the police associations (Pratt, 1992, p. B12). In spite of such unease, however, police associations continue to attract defenders from within and without the body of American police.
The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of members of law enforcement officers associations of the activities and policies of such associations. The assessment of these perceptions provides a basis for both rank and file association members and association officers to evaluate the need for changes in association orientations and activities.
Police associations, as is true with associations representing other segments of American society, have transcended the status of purely private organizations. As the year 2000 nears, the activities and policies of police associations hold the potential to affect wide spectrums of society. Far reaching societal effects, particularly if perceived as being detrimental by either a substantial proportion of the ...