NCJ Number
186385
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 28 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2000 Pages: 385-396
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Research on portrayals of minority groups on television has repeatedly indicated these depictions emphasize negative and stereotypical images, and the potential impact of such depictions is of major concern when they focus on issues related to crime and violence.
Abstract
To assess the prevalence of negative depictions of minorities on television, a 2-week sample of prime time television was constructed for the Fall 1997 season. Police officers and perpetrators of crime who appeared on fictional television programs were examined, with specific attention paid to the race of the character and the aggression involved in the interaction. Multinomial regression analyses were performed to determine which variables significantly predicted televised police use of force. Results showed police officers were significantly more likely to use excessive force when perpetrators were young racial minorities. Police officer demographic variables were not important predictors of the use of force, with one exception; minority police officers were less likely than their white counterparts to use moderate force. Perpetrator age and race were the most powerful demographic predictors of police force. Given the impact of exposure to television on social reality, the authors conclude watching fictional television programs may contribute to associating minorities with crime, victimization, and criminal justice themes. 49 references and 3 tables