Job Characteristics of Officers and Agents: Results of a National Job Analysis

A national job analysis of officer and agent law enforcement positions in a large federal agency was conducted to identify the most critical job characteristics as a foundation for follow-on development of medical standards. The study employed factor analysis to identify 82 high-priority job requirements. A comparison of officer and agent job characteristics showed that any systematic difference in high-priority job requirements between the two groups was minimal. Using factor analysis in conjunction with a qualitative technique such as focus groups provides a systematic and supportable method for isolating the important job characteristics of law enforcement positions.