PERCEIVED TERRORISM, INVESTIGATIVE COMPETENCE AND FINANCIAL STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF AGGRESSIVENESS AMONG POLICE OFFICERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study examined perceived terrorism, investigative competence and financial stress as predictors of aggressiveness among police officers in Anambra State. A total of 364 participants (92 females and 272 males) sampled through cluster, purposive and incidental sampling techniques were used in the study. The participants had mean-age of 37.5. Data attained interval measurement. Measuring instruments were Terrorism Cognition Inventory, Investigative Competence Scale for Police officers, Financial Stress Scale, and Aggressive Behaviour Questionnaire. The design was predictive and correlational designs, statistics was multiple regression done with SPSS Version 25., and ethical measures were confidentiality and informed consent. The following findings were made in the study. Perceived factors (increasing terrorism activities (R2 = 0.047, β = 0.090; p > 0.05) perceived factors reducing terrorism involvement (R2 = 0.047, β = 0.198; p > 0.05) did not significantly predict “police aggressive behaviour”. “Behavioural competences (R2 = 0.463, β = -0.128; p < 0.05), and technical competences (R2 = 0.463, β = 1.023; p < 0.05) significantly predicted “police aggressive behaviour”. “Interpersonal Reaction to Financial Stress (R2 = 0.794, β = -0.850; p < 0.05) and physiological to financial stress (R2 = 0.794, β = -0.443; p < 0.05) were negative significant predictors of “police aggressive behaviour”. The joint contributions of the perceived terrorism, investigative competence and financial stress had a negative significant beta weight on police aggressive behaviour (R2 = 0.794, β = -0.142; p < 0.05). Recommendations were made for police officers behavioural and technical competences to be ethically guided. There is also the need for effective terrorism management strategies among law enforcement officers. This can be achieved through specialized training programs that enhance situational awareness, crisis management skills, and effective communication during security threats. The findings of the study contributes actionable recommendations by highlighting the importance of enhancing investigative competence through training and professional development, addressing financial stress through supportive measures, and managing perceived terrorism through community engagement and strategic communication aimed at reducing police aggression.