NCJ Number
247398
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2014 Pages: 263-277
Date Published
June 2014
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article presents a review of literature examining the interaction between law enforcement and criminal justice personnel and transgender individuals.
Abstract
This article presents a review of literature examining the interaction between law enforcement and criminal justice (LECJ) personnel and transgender individuals to determine the extent that transgender individuals are viewed as potential suspects by LECJ personnel. Whether transgender individuals are incarcerated or detained by LECJ personnel, and whether transgender individuals approach LECJ personnel for assistance. The review identified 33 studies that contained information about transgender people's interactions with LECJ personnel. Findings from these studies indicate that a large percentage of transgender people have been incarcerated or arrested, have experienced unjustified stops and arrests, are frequently profiled incorrectly as sex workers, experience victimization by LECJ personnel in terms of increased harassment or physical or sexual assault, and are further victimized by LECJ personnel while incarcerated. The review also found that transgender people are less likely to seek out LECJ personnel for assistance or report their victimization to police due to biased treatment they receive from law enforcement. These findings highlight the challenges faced by transgender individuals in their interactions with law enforcement and criminal justice personnel. Study limitations are discussed. Tables and references