Attitudes toward Law-enforcement in Social Media

• In Event: Policing Communication(s)

Abstract

Wentz and Schlimgen (2012) have argued that indirect contact with law enforcement may be of great importance in the assessment of public perception of police response to community concerns, and community needs. Yet, little research exists examining perceptions of law-enforcement through the lens of social media – an area greatly developed over the last decade and whose use has greatly increased in a younger population. This study conducts a content analysis of online reviews of police stations, in large metropolitan areas, across the United States with three goals in mind. First identify the tone of attitudes toward police in the social media, second determine if a strong social media presence by police departments has any influence on the overall opinions presented, and finally identify the role that community crime rates may play in the opinions presented.

Authors

• Amelia Davies Robinson, University of Mount Union

• Andy Bain, University of Mount Union

• Bryan K. Robinson, University of Mount Union