Date of Conferral

4-16-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Derrick Jones

Abstract

Efforts to reform law enforcement practices related to use of force and search and seizure incidents have largely involved policy revisions and training enhancements. This study compares use of force and search and seizure incidents in the Baltimore City (BCPD) and the Chicago (CPD) Police Departments before and after the implementation of a Department of Justice (DOJ) Consent Decree. An Independent Samples t-test was used to analyze whether there was a statistically significant difference between pre and post use of force incidents and search and seizure incidents by the BCPD and the CPD. Secondary data regarding the BCPD use of force incidents (N=62) and search and seizure incidents (N=1,126) and the CPD use of force incidents (N=140) and search and seizure incidents (N=5,247) were collected from the Fatal Encounters website database, the Mapping Police Violence website database, the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime and Prevention website dashboard, and the city of Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) website dashboard. The study was informed by three theoretical frameworks: general strain theory, conflict theory, and critical race theory. The findings revealed distinct outcomes between the two police departments. The study also acknowledged limitations related to the accuracy of secondary data and differences in record-keeping practices between departments. This quantitative analysis offered gainful insights into the impact of DOJ consent decrees. The results offered compelling reasons for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders to address police misconduct, promote accountability, autonomy, and ultimately contribute to positive social change and improved community-police relations.

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