Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Sean Grier

Abstract

Law enforcement officers are often forced to make split-second decisions that alter the lives of those affected. Some of these decisions are criticized by the public, which negatively affects the perceptions of law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies have sought ways to improve their community standing by implementing community policing initiatives including citizen police academies (CPAs). The purpose of this interpretative phenomenological qualitative study was to explore the influence of CPAs on attendees’ knowledge and perceptions of their police department. Institutional theory provided the theoretical framework for the study. Surveys with open-ended questions were sent to 11 participants who had completed a CPA within 3 years. Findings indicated that most participants improved in their perceptions of their police department, and all participants gained an understanding of their police department. Findings indicated that CPAs are an effective tool that forges partnerships between the community and the police department. Findings also showed that participants may have been selected for the CPA due to their status in the community. Findings may encourage law enforcement agencies to develop a CPA that will lead to positive social change through affecting the community served and the officers who work in the agency.

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