Neighborhood Context and Perceptions of Criminal Injustice: A Multilevel Examination of Negative Police Interactions

• In Event: Perceptions of Injustice

Abstract

Previous research suggests that negative police interactions play a role in shaping individuals’ perceptions of the criminal justice system. However, little is known about how neighborhood context affects this relationship. As a result, it remains unclear whether neighborhood context moderates the effect of negative police interactions. Using data from several hundred African American youth, the current study examined whether two key neighborhood-level factors, cynicism and disadvantage, moderate the effects of negative police interactions on perceptions of procedural injustice. Findings from the current research are discussed, along with implications and directions for future research in this area.

Authors

• Jonathan Intravia, Florida State University

• Mark Berg, University of Iowa

• Ronald L. Simons, University of Georgia

• Eric Stewart, Florida State University