Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Melanye Smith

Abstract

Over the last decade, headlines have highlighted police-citizen conflicts. With the continuing change in communities to an increasingly diverse population, communication and interactions between officers and citizens must progress towards fairness and transparency. The delivery of culturally competent public safety services facilitates more favorable client outcomes, more effective interpersonal communication, and increased service satisfaction from clients. Although this is heavily stressed in public safety agencies and can decrease the possibility of tort liability for failing to provide adequate services or appropriate treatment, the emphasis varies. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the policies and influences of law enforcement leaders who promote culturally competent organizations to provide insight into what is essential for all policing agencies to develop a strategic plan in becoming culturally responsive. Rice and Mathews’ cultural competency for public agency’s theoretical framework explained the eight key areas for an organization. Interview questions explored the leaders’ cultural competency skills and culturally responsive practices in diverse communities. An analysis of interviews with 10 law enforcement leaders was conducted using thematic analysis. The results of the data analysis disclosed three broad themes: visionary professional practice, organizational commitment, and community engagement. Results revealed leaders who implement and influence officers to use culturally competent awareness, knowledge, and skills to understand all cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender groups, strive to be respectful of others and fair in procedures, and build more positive relationships with community members leading to positive social change.

Download

Share

 
COinS