Somali Immigrant and Refugee Experiences of Police Interaction

• In Event: Somali Immigrants and Refugees: Societal Treatment and Youth Behavior

Abstract

Understanding the relationships among immigrants or refugees and police is a critical research task with implications for both community-police partnerships and the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. This study aims to contribute to such an understanding by examining perceptions of police and police interactions among Somali refugees and immigrants (both first and second generation) in five communities in the U.S. and Canada. The paper presents mixed-methods analyses examining perception of treatment by police, and the associate of negative police interaction with mental health and other markers of adjustment. This study suggests that despite some evidence of positive interactions with police, current policing falls short of establishing community trust and implementing principles of procedural justice with Somalis in the U.S. and Canada. Implications for both Somali youth and law enforcement are discussed.

Authors

• Heidi B. Ellis, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School

• Alisa K. Lincoln, Northeastern University

• Saida M. Abdi, Boston Children’s Hospital

• Osob Issa, Boston Children’s Hospital

• Scott Decker, Arizona State University