Assessing Emotional Intelligence of Graduate Probationer Police Officers: A UK Pilot Study

The present article summarizes a small-scale pilot study as part of a wider research programme to understand and track learner motivations and characteristics as they change and develop over the course of a policing education and training programme. Emotional intelligence (EI), enabling capacity to recognize and work with emotions, is crucial in policing given demanding interactions with the public and inherently stressful role demands. We assessed levels of EI in a group of participants (N = 84) from the Police Now leadership training programme. Using an established psychometric EI assessment, Emotions and Behaviours at Work, scores were collected and benchmarked. Results showed that participants rated themselves as comparatively low on Influence and Decisiveness and high on Conscientiousness and Rules. We discuss findings in terms of attitudes to the public and towards evidence-based policing, as well as potential selection, training, and research implications.