Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 5, 2025

The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
Published on: July 4, 2013
Aggression Against Police Officers and Behavior Toward Citizens: Reciprocal Influence or Common Causes?
Lisa van Reemst1,2,3, Tamar Fischer3, Frank Weerman2,3
1Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Police officers are often the victim of aggression by citizens, which has negative consequences for them and society in general. Therefore, it is important to gain knowledge about related factors. This study examines to what extent experiencing aggression as a police officer is related to their patience with citizens and use of force weapons and tools. Two explanations based on the victim-offender overlap are examined: experiences of aggression and behavior toward citizens influence each other vs. both have common causes. This study was conducted on the basis of a longitudinal survey among police officers (N = 693). The results show that behavior toward citizens, including patience with citizens and the use of force is related to the aggression police officers experience. The association decreases but does not disappear when common causes are taken into account, in this case socio-demographic and work-related characteristics. No direct support is found for reciprocal influence. Implications and suggestions for further research are described.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Aggression
Secondary Motives: Affiliation Motivation and Aggression Motivation
Bystander Effect
Bullying
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Cause and Effect

