Rural U.S. Residents' Views about Police: Majority and Minority Expectations

• In Event: Outcomes of Police Treatment

Abstract

Most assessments of public perceptions of police have been conducted in urban and metropolitan areas. In contrast, rural areas are generally expected to have less crime, and police are expected to have greater familiarity with residents. This may contribute to unique experiences with and expectations for police in rural areas. This study reports the results of a survey of residents of a rural U.S. Midwestern town. Majority and minority race residents both tended to view police positively, but differed in their priorities for what the police should aim to accomplish and the qualities they should possess. Residents of both racial groups are asked about how past experiences have harmed as well as improved their sense of police legitimacy and provided suggestions for improving police legitimacy in the future.

Authors

• Tyrell Spencer, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

• Tammy Rinehart Kochel, Southern Illinois University