Perceived Police Prejudice and its Effects on Offending

• In Event: Outcomes of Police Treatment

Abstract

The past few years has seen an increase in the research examining race and crime, especially from a policing perspective. Some of the most contentious have been the perceptions of police legitimacy, discrimination, and the impacts of racism. While several studies have identified the impacts of racial discrimination or have attempted to explain the racial disparities within the justice system few have addressed the effects perceived prejudice have on behavior. The current study has tested the perceived prejudice of police officers and the consequences of those perceptions. The results indicate perceived prejudice of police officers have significant, and at times opposite, effects on various forms of criminal activity depending on the race of the individual.

Authors

• Nicholas James Blasco, The University of South Carolina

• Kwang Hyun Ra, University of South Carolina