INTRODUCING MULTIDIMENSIONAL RASCH MODEL IN MEASURING TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICERS’ BEHAVIOR

Abstract

This study applied a multidimensional item response model to measure police officers’ ability on conducting red-light running enforcement. The ability to conduct red-light running enforcement was found to consist of five component constructs, including ability on mental demands (AMD), on stopping and chasing vehicle (ASC), on psychological demands (APD), on physical demands (APHD), and under abnormal environment (AAE). The multidimensional Rasch models was then applied to assess the perceived enforcement ability of officers and item/task difficulties of conducting traffic law enforcement. The results showed that most participant police offices performed well on AMD, ASC, and APD constructs, but half of them were weak on APHD and AAE constructs. Young officers were more appropriate to conduct red-light running enforcement than the other officers. Finally, some management strategies are suggested to improve performance when conducting red-light running enforcement.