NCJ Number
186856
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2000 Pages: 10-16
Editor(s)
William U. Weiss Dr.
Date Published
2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study, conducted within the context of a pilot program designed to teach early adolescents dispute resolution skills and allow them to air their concerns about the police, investigated the attitudes of adolescents in New York City toward the police.
Abstract
The study sample included 161 students attending middle schools (grades 6 through 8) in New York City. Questionnaires were administered prior to the beginning of the three-session program. The first two sessions of the program taught dispute resolution skills, while the third session involved meeting with the police. Results indicated that, while attitudes toward the police were generally positive, girls held more positive attitudes toward the police than boys and adolescents who reported negative experiences with the police had less favorable attitudes toward the police. Confirmatory factor analysis of questionnaires yielded three factors: attitudes toward police behavior, attitudes toward interaction with the police, and attitudes toward interaction with other adults. Results generally agreed with those of other studies examining adolescent attitudes toward the police. The study questionnaire is appended. 24 references and 1 table