NCJ Number
227908
Journal
Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law and Society Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 123-140
Date Published
June 2009
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Results are presented from a survey of police officers and citizens views and perceptions on bias-based policing.
Abstract
Survey findings show that African-American and White citizens, as well as African-American and White police officers had differing views on bias-based policing issues. In addition, both the African-American and the White police officers believed it was possible to find workable solutions to address bias-based policing practices as did the White and African-American citizens. These findings suggest that opening a dialogue between the two groups could lead to a better understanding of each group's concern, and thereby improving police-community relations. Bias-based policing is an issue that police departments all over the country continue to address. This study sought to add to the existing body of literature on bias-based policing and assessed bias-based policing beyond traffic stop data and surveyed the officers and the citizens to compare the views of both groups. It examined whether officers and citizens differed in their perceptions of bias-based policing practices occurring in their jurisdiction or other jurisdictions. Researchers visited seven Virginia police departments and the communities they serve. Police and citizen focus group meetings were held at each community as well as meetings with the police officers at each of the seven agencies. References