The relationship between warrior and guardian mindsets and support for police reform

This study investigates how distinct cultural orientations among police officers are associated with their support for contemporary reform efforts. Although prior research has established that police culture shapes officer attitudes toward reform, the specific impact of differing cultural perspectives remains underexplored. Drawing on survey data collected from three U.S. police agencies including a sample of 217 officers, this study examines the effects of two prominent cultural orientations–warrior (emphasising crime-fighting) and guardian (emphasising public service)–on support for a range of reform policies and training programmes. Results suggest widespread support among officers for training programmes. Perceptions of reform initiatives are more divided, with support levels ranging considerably across different proposals. Guardian orientations are significantly and positively associated with support for both trainings and reforms. Our findings suggest that many officers are open to a range of reforms and training programmes. Promoting a guardian mindset in officers may improve receptivity to both training and reform. Agencies should emphasise this orientation in both training and supervision practices. Additionally, officers’ support for co-responder models–an approach also widely endorsed by the public–suggests that there is potential for policy expansion in this area. Taken together, our findings suggest that policymakers should consider the risks of abandoning reforms that receive widespread internal and external (i.e. community) support.