What is organizational culture within a police agency?

Organizational culture in police departments will vary from two main extremes.  In organized departments or larger cities there tends to be a militaristic culture.  The departments are often organized under strict rank structures and a defined chain of command.  Regulations are provided and the police officers are expected to follow the protocols.  The other extreme is usually observed in smaller departments or rural areas.  These departments can be more relaxed where the departmental culture is to be more of a "big brother" for the serviced community.  Relationships are more relaxed and protocols are not as important as the relationship.

The majority of police departments fall under the para-military style of organizational culture, where adherence to protocol is more important than individual relationships.  Loyalty among the ranks is expected because such trust is needed when dealing in high stress situations.  This also extends to management and supervisors have higher expectations for lower rank officers to demonstrate loyalty and fairness in decisions.  Seniority, the length of service to the department, is an assumed benefit that is thought to influence policy, shifts and other decisions about an officer's career.

Due to the education and training of police officers there is often a degree of "us versus them" mentality, meaning police versus the general public.  Such mentality often arises when the public challenges standard operating procedure of police.  It often extends to a mistrust of defense attorney's and lawyers as a whole.