Date of Conferral

9-26-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Richard Worch

Abstract

Police officers have been known to use excessive force and abuse their powers during encounters with young African American males (ages 18 to 25), which may lead to lower perception levels of police. This study provides crucial information for criminal justice professionals about the psychological and demographic factors that influence young African American males’ perceptions of police. The purpose of this study was to analyze these factors that influence how young African American males perceive law enforcement after having an encounter with the police and how to make future encounters more pleasurable. The research question in this study was used to focus on individual experiences of 20 young African American males and their perceptions of police. For this study, I conducted a qualitative phenomenological study that consisted of 20 online interviews, from young African Americans who encountered police. My study was based on conflict theory, which states that young African Americans are viewed as dangerous and need the immediate attention of police. I discovered through the software data analysis program Quirkos, that my participants had an overwhelming sense of fear, stress, anxiety, and anger during their encounters with police, while income, age, marital status, and where they lived played a role. I also discovered that my participants were mistreated and did not feel safe during their encounter with the police. I recommend in the future that one gathers future insight from different ages (25 and above) and from females as well. Implications for social change include informing law officers and police departments of the importance of treating everyone equally to promote a healthy relationship to provide enhanced cooperation and collaboration for everyone involved.

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