Influence of Personality Traits and Demographic Variables on Decision Making Style in Crime Management among Police Personnel in FCT Abuja, Nigeria

The study examines the influence of personality traits and demographic variables on decision-making styles in crime management among police officers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria. Employing a cross sectional survey design, a total of 388 officers of the Nigerian police within 3 area commands in FCT were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using validated instruments, including the Big Five Personality Inventory and Police Crime Management Decision Scale. Two hypotheses were developed and tested and the result using multiple regression analysis revealed that agreeableness (β = 0.35, p < 0.01) and openness to experience (β = 0.28, p < 0.01) significantly predicted effective decision-making styles. While Conscientiousness (β = .005, t(285) = 0.088, p = .93), Neuroticism (β = –.016, t(285) = –0.247, p = .805) and Extraversion (β = –.093, t (285) = –1.65, p = .100) were not statistically significant predictors of decision-making. While demographic variables, gender, age, years of service (YoS), were also not jointly statistically significant, F(42, 248) = 1.36, p = .082. Gender (F(1, 248) = 0.28, p = .600), Age (F(5, 248) = 1.05, p = .390), Years of service (F(6, 248) = 0.43, p = .861) did not independently significantly predict decision-making. The results indicate that psychological factors play a crucial role in shaping decision-making processes among police officers. The study recommends that Police recruitment and promotion processes should include standardized psychological assessments that evaluate traits such as openness to experience, agreeableness. Finally officers should be assigned to roles based on psychological competence and decision-making capabilities rather than based on demographic background.