Adaptability Traits and Perception of Forensic Science among Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) in Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the adaptability traits and the perception of forensic science utilization in criminal investigation of the Investigating Police Officers in Nigeria, as well as find out whether there is a relationship between the variables. The study was a sample survey; out of the 3,503 Investigating Police Officers serving in Zone 1, 401 Officers were selected using systematic sampling. Zone 1 is one of the 12 police zonal commands in Nigeria. Adaptability traits and perception scales were the instruments used to collect data. SPSS version 24 was used for the data analysis. The results showed that many of the respondents have a favourable perception of forensic science and have high adaptability traits, that is, extraversion, agreeableness and methodicalness. It was also found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the perception of forensic science and the agreeableness as well as with the methodicalness, but not with the extraversion. Consequently, it is recommended that consideration should be given to the type of personality police investigators have before they are posted to serve in the criminal investigations department, in addition to other important factors, particularly when forensic techniques are required to be used.