This article examines the behavioral differences between police field-training officers (FTOs) and their comparable colleagues in handling interpersonal conflicts. Data used were collected from two metropolitan police departments. Actions taken by officers are grouped into two major categories, control and supportive, and are then examined along two dimensions, diversity and aggressiveness. Findings show that FTOs perform a greater number of supportive actions than do non-FTOs throughout their encounters with citizens. FTOs and non-FTOs, however, display no differences in the level of force involved in their control actions toward citizens. Implications for policy and future research are provided.
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