Citizen Resistance of Police During Use of Force Encounters

• In Event: Police Use of Force and Resistance

Abstract

Prior research indicates that the likelihood of citizen resistance toward the police is not evenly distributed. Rather, resistance levels vary across incidents, officers, and geographic locations. While studies have highlighted the importance of these predictors at either at the individual level (e.g., incident or officer) or the aggregate level (e.g., geographic area), few attempts have simultaneously assessed both areas as a collective whole. Using data collected as part of a multi-agency use of force study and the American Community Survey, the current inquiry examines over 6,500 use of force incidents within 230 police beats across five departments to more fully explore citizen resistance. Based on the findings, relevant policy implications for departments are discussed.

Authors

• Michael Travis Rossler, Illinois State University

• William Terrill, Arizona State University

• Jason R. Ingram, Sam Houston State University