The Impact of Police Shootings of Unarmed Black People on Black Communities
Date of Conferral
10-13-2023
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
Joseph McMillan
Abstract
Studies have shown that unarmed Black people have the highest rates of police brutality and fatality. Police shootings of unarmed Black people can devastate communities of color. Current police practices are causing racial disparities in Black communities, which affect Black peoples’ perception of police practices. In this qualitative multiple case study, critical race theory (CRT) was used to explore the perception and impact of police shootings of unarmed Black people in predominantly communities of color in four U.S. states in recent years. Multiple data sources were coded and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis, which was used to form a codebook. The results showed that Black communities perceived police shootings of unarmed Black people a form of racism because of a history of racism and current racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Police shootings of unarmed Black people impact their community physically with protesting, civil litigation, and social change. Police shootings of unarmed Black people also impact Black communities emotionally since race-based trauma was evident in the subjects’ families and communities’ painful displays. Based on the findings, evidence-based programs or policies can create positive social change through solutions that reduce or prevent police shootings of unarmed Black people.
Recommended Citation
Joe, Tammy Diane, "The Impact of Police Shootings of Unarmed Black People on Black Communities" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 14966.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/14966
