Abstract
This study explores how power is perceived and obtained. It focuses that power to the field of law enforcement and what power has traditionally been accepted and sought after. French and Raven’s bases of power are used for this study as the basis for different sources and types of power. The different bases are applied to analyze how different power types affect job satisfaction, trust and change. The study further questions whether there should be changes within the field of law enforcement to better facilitate working relationships between leaders and their followers. The current social climate of demanding reform and outcries to defund the police make this study more relevant and necessary than ever. Results find that traditionally accepted bases of power for the field of law enforcement are not the most effective at obtaining favorable results with employees.
