Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Curtis Davis

Abstract

Research documents the pervasiveness of violent police encounters towards African Americans in the United States and importance of a multidisciplinary approach between social workers and police to prevent police violence. However, little is known about social workers perceptions and experiences on partnering with police to address violent police encounters towards African Americans. Informed by Tuckman’s group formation theory and Bell’s critical race theory, the purpose of this generic qualitative inquiry study was to explore social workers in the United States perceptions and experiences on partnering with police to address violent police encounters toward African Americans. Using semistructured interviews, data was collected from 15 licensed social workers in the United States who were currently practicing in social work, held a degree of social work from an accredited university, and had professional roles, responsibilities, or expertise intersect with police. Research questions that guided this study addressed social workers perceptions and experiences on partnering with police to address violent police encounters towards African Americans. Data were analyzed and stored in qualitative software NVivo and transcribed using the transcription and translation application Otter.ai. The findings showed race as a factor in violent police encounters affecting African Americans, and while social workers believe partnering with police can lead to a reduction in violent police encounters, social workers face challenges such as opposition to partnering with police. In addition to incorporating culturally relevant social work content and practices, the findings may create ways to foster safer police encounters for African Americans.

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