NCJ Number
95635
Journal
American Journal of Police Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: (Spring 1984) Pages: 169-183
Date Published
1984
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The limitations of police-minority relations programs are identified, and police strategies for improving minority relations are described.
Abstract
The roots of police minority relations are traced to the basic structure of American society and its values, including democratic decisionmaking, maximum individual freedom, and tolerance for diversity. Suggestions for societal change that will eliminate negative feelings between police and minorities are presented, and changes that will have an impact on police-minority encounters are discussed. Perhaps the most important change is minority citizens growing awareness of their rights and what actions they can take when those rights are violated. Evidence indicates that white police officers reflect the bias of their racial group in their attitudes and actions toward blacks. The extent to which this is also true in police relations with Asians and Hispanics is less well documented, but a number of studies indicate that white police officers are prejudiced against these groups as well. Police administrators currently use three basic strategies to reduce police-community conflict; first, they are hiring minority police officers; second, public relations programs are being developed to improve the image of the police among minority groups; and third, police officers are receiving better education and training. The roles that minority leaders can play in improving police-community relations are discussed. 13 references are provided.