Perceptions of Police Use of Force: Bridging the Gap between Law Enforcement and Citizens

• In Event: Police Response to Resistance: The Past and Current Practices

Abstract

This study focuses on emerging use of force issue in law enforcement officers and public’s perception on use of force incidents. As a theoretical frame, Agnew’s General Strain Theory (GST) is applied to measure police officers’ decision making process in use of force, and the evaluation will be compared to the college population. Data will be derived from law enforcement officers and college students via survey questionnaires reflecting strain factors and the Use of Force Model of case-vignettes. The magnitude of strain is measured via the assessment of police work related stress questionnaires and three major psychological diagnostic criteria: 1) DI (Depression Inventory), 2) STAI (State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and 3) PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). The research hypothesizes that the public and law enforcement differentially perceive use of force. This study also aims to evaluate the Use of Force Model and hopes to facilitate minimizing the gap between the public and law enforcement stance on the use of force.

Authors

• Kyung-shick Choi, Boston University

• Clint Apaza, Bridgewater State University