Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Dr. Sean Grier

Abstract

Police departments and the 911 emergency call system were created for public safety purposes. However, when a 911 call summoning police for assistance leads to another 911 call involving a deceased victim of a police encounter, public safety seems lacking. Many citizens vicariously witness or view fatal police encounters through the lens of extant media information, and how the public perceives media coverage can negate citizen trust and confidence in law enforcement. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the influence of perceived media coverage of police-caused deaths of unarmed Black men and its impact on the inclination of non-Black residents to report crime or contact police for assistance. This study was guided by a synthesis of ideal victim theory, cultivation theory, police legitimacy, and police cynicism. Qualitative data were collected from eight adult participants who were non-Black residents of three predominantly Black cities. Manual coding was used to organize and report codes and themes. Themes were identified and described as positive or negative perceptions regarding the phenomena, including perceptions of media, victims, law enforcement, and societal impact. Better understanding of how citizens perceive publicity of officer-involved deaths of unarmed Black men may aid in strengthening police–community relations. Stronger police–community relations can reduce fear of law enforcement and promote citizen trust and confidence in the police. Reduced fear and increased trust may cause citizens to report crime, increasing crime reporting rates. This awareness can be used by law enforcement agencies for positive social change to improve community-oriented policing and to enhance public safety strategies and policing outcomes.

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