Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Gregory Campbell

Abstract

Although police training, codes of ethics, and use of force policies are in place at police departments, the problem is there is a lack of standardization involving use of force by police officers, which is triggering community concerns between police officers and racial minorities. The present study built on the work of Riter by exploring perceptions and lived experiences of racial minorities involving police officers’ use of force based on fear, trust, and confidence. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore whether lived experiences of racial minority citizens differ from police officers regarding use of force in a Southeastern state and how fear, trust, and confidence influence perceptions. Rawls’ social justice theory was used as the theoretical framework. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 active police officers and 10 racial minority citizens. Data were analyzed for patterns and themes using inductive coding. Four emergent themes were identified as contributing factors that lead to perceptions both groups have about each other in terms of police use of force. Key results of this study were multifaceted in that both groups agreed on some points but mainly saw use of force differently. Fear, distrust, and lack of confidence in police influenced minorities’ views that they were biased against them. Police officers’ perceptions were that they used force when compelled to do so to gain control of an out-of-control situation. This study may lead to positive social change by providing information to police department leaders and policymakers to develop or modify policies regarding use of force and help build cooperative relationships with underrepresented communities and citizens.

Download

Share

 
COinS