Date of Conferral
6-25-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Criminal Justice
Advisor
Dr. Grace Telesco
Abstract
As a newly emergent form of mass communication, social media platforms can act as a force multiplier in fomenting negative and critical attitudes or viewpoints toward law enforcement officers and agencies. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the perceptions and lived experiences of law enforcement officers about antipolice sentiment and social media as a force multiplier. Amid growing concerns regarding public opinion and the impact of social media on law enforcement practices, more research was needed on how officers navigate and interpret these challenges. Data from in-depth interviews with 10 law enforcement officers were thematically analyzed to uncover the complex interplay between law enforcement officers and the heightened antipolice sentiment amplified through various social media platforms. Four themes were identified: social media as a double-edged sword in law enforcement; challenges of misinformation and public perception; officer well-being and the psychological impact of social media; and accountability, transparency, and the evolving role of policy. This exploration of officers' experiences, attitudes, and coping mechanisms provides insight into the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and influencing law enforcement strategies. The findings may promote positive social change by informing policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public about strategies to enhance communication, build trust, and foster collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve in an era heavily influenced by digital communication channels.
Recommended Citation
Pope, Edward Peter, "Law Enforcement Officers’ Perceptions About Antipolice Sentiment and Social Media as a Force Multiplier" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18020.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18020
