The Social Ecology of Trust in Police

• In Event: Police Legitimacy I

Abstract

Previous research has examined the social ecology of police misconduct (Kane, 2002). This research is an effort at using similar models to examine resident perceptions of police legitimacy. The current study examines whether variations in the social ecology of Flint, MI neighborhoods correlate with resident perceptions of police legitimacy. Examining features consistent with prior social ecological studies, we find some support for Kane's model. Demographic characteristics at the census tract level representing structural disadvantage predict low levels of trust in police; however, demographic characteristics related to population mobility did not predict trust in police.

Authors

• Daniel J. Kruger, University of Michigan

• Meghan Elizabeth Hollis, Michigan State University

• Edmund F. McGarrell, Michigan State University

• Thomas M. Reischl, University of Michigan

• Marc A. Zimmerman, University of Michigan