Ethnicity and the police

Running head: PUBLIC OPINION OF POLICE BY DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS 1

PUBLIC OPINION OF POLICE BY DIFFERENT ETHNIC GROUPS 6

Cylvania Allen Pringle

8/11/2015

CJA/344

Public Opinion of Police by Different Ethnic Groups

Dr. Joycelyn Ballard

Public Opinion of Police by Different Ethnic Groups

I. Introduction

Researchers and policy makers have constantly shown immense interest in how different ethnic groups perceive the police. Of utmost importance is how different ethnic groups experience face to face interactions with those individuals in legal authority especially the police. Such interactions can help researchers and policy makers understand the perceptions different ethnic groups might have towards the police and how these perceptions can influence the prevalence of crime in a jurisdiction (Huo & Tyler, 2000).

The fact that ethnic groups differ in how they perceive the police is already well known. However, what is boggling the researchers interested in this interaction is whether these differences can be attributed to different perceptions of how these individuals were treated, different outcomes of their interaction with the police, or different expectations of fair treatment based on their culture and values?

II. Review of Literature

One thing that remains clear throughout the entire research process is that people view perceptions of fair treatment as more important than getting a favorable outcome from the entire experience. People of all ethnic groups generally form positive impressions, perceptions and attitudes to legal authorities and the decisions made if they feel that they have been dealt with in a fair manner which does not demean them or make them feel discriminated against. This is known as the procedural justice effect, one of the patterns of responses recognized in law circles (Davis, 2000).

It is a well-known fact that the minority ethnic groups usually have bad experiences at the hands of the police. In a multi-cultural country such as the US, the minorities including the Latinos and the African Americans have negative perceptions towards the police as well as negative experiences with the same. These ethnic minorities report that their members constantly face unfair treatment, harassment and at times violation of their human rights at the hands of the police officers.

III. Discussion

They argue that there is discrimination on the part of the police forces based on race. It is a well observed fact that individuals who belong to ethnic groups that are less integrated into the political structure or less efficacious are less inclined to voluntarily indulge with the police as compared to those individuals who come from ‘superior’ ethnic backgrounds (Davis, 2000).

This perception of discrimination can lead to lower rates of compliance amongst the members of these ethnic communities. There is usually a high level of tension that characterizes the relationship between the police and members of minor ethnic groups. The reason for this tension could be the differing cultural values, beliefs, expectations and differing ways of solving disputes. Hence, the ethnic groupings might have different beliefs on when and how to interact with the police authorities.

There have been many instances whereby the police have mistreated individuals rom minority ethnic groups. The incident between Rodney King, an African American young man, and four white police officers from the Los Angeles Department brought this unfair treatment and tension to the forefront. Polls conducted after this incident showed that African Americans were less trusting of police officers and they do not believe that they are ethical and honest in their dealings.

In June 2015, a white police officer had to resign after videos of him throwing a black girl down and pointing his gun to black youth at a pool party emerged. The use of unnecessary violence specifically targeted at those black youth has caused a lot of tension between the African Americans and the police. It therefore comes as no surprise that the ratings of police officers by this and other ethnic groups has plummeted over the years (Lopez, 2015).

IV. Conclusion

Relational orientation and fulfillment have been recognized as the pillars for effective law enforcement and enhancing the public opinion of the police despite ethnic grouping. When individuals feel that there is equality and fairness in the way police officers handle all citizens regardless of race or ethnic backgrounds, then voluntary compliance with the law will increase at all levels (Huo & Tyler, 2000).

References

Davis, C.R. (2000). Perceptions of the Police among Members of Six Ethnic Communities in Central Queens, NY, Executive Summary.

Huo, Y.J., & Tyler, T.R. (2000). How Different Ethnic Groups React to Legal Authority.

Lopez, G. (2015, June 9th). Police officer who slammed black girl to the ground at McKinney, Texas, pool party resigns. Retrieved on 11/8/2015 from http://www.vox.com/2015/6/7/8744011/mckinney-texas-police-officer