Police Ride-Alongs for Teacher Candidates: Implications for Equity and Social Justice

• In Event: 52.060 - The Promise of University Partnerships

Abstract

Actions of police officers have recently dominated the media, with vividly graphic video provoking public discussion around the roles and actions of law enforcement officers. Increasingly, conversation has focused on the role of race in these interactions. As such, teacher candidates enrolled in an urban university were given the option to engage in a police ride-along, to learn more about the work of law enforcement officers and to consider the implications of race, class, gender, and other aspects of identity. Seventy four candidates (from 2013-2016) completed this assignment and prepared a written document highlighting their insights. This research explores the lasting insights, changes, and questions held by those teacher candidates who elected to engage in this experience.

Author

• Anita Bright, Portland State University