Examining Youth Perceptions of Police in Narratives of Violence

• In Event: Police and Juveniles

Abstract

Evidence indicates that negative relationships between youth and police often develop in socioeconomically disadvantaged and high crime communities. Negative perceptions of the police are especially prevalent among young black and Latino males. The lack of meaningful dialogue and positive relationships between youth and law enforcement is a great safety concern for communities. Although numerous programs have sought to remedy this problem, the results are mixed. This study evaluates an innovative program that focuses on improving the dialogue and relationships between the police and youth. The first phase of the study utilized a systematic random sample of publically available youth essays from 2013 to examine the scope and nature of attitudes towards the police (N=275). In the second phase, results of phase one were used to inform curriculum development for a police-youth dialogue program, which seeks to alter the perceptions of youth towards police and police towards youth. Primary data was collected through pre and post dialogue surveys for both youth and police participants. Observation notes were also taken during the discussions concerning the type of activities and degree of youth engagement and officer engagement. Short-term outcomes and implications for further research are discussed.

Authors

• Lauren Cripps, University of Massachusetts, Boston

• Midori Morikawa, YWCA Boston

• Jacqueline Lageson, University of Massachusetts, Boston

• Heather Zaykowski, University of Massachusetts, Boston