Exploring Attitudes, Experiences, and Perceptions among BIPOC students and a University Police Department

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Fear associated with policing has led to low public confidence in police among Black, indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). This is primarily the result of the overrepresentation of police brutality towards BIPOC people. Negative attitudes towards law enforcement have the potential to fuel gaps between police and community members because community members may be less likely to interact with police. Understanding the perception, attitudes, and experiences of BIPOC people, as well as police officers, is important for establishing healthy police-community relationships. This study examines these relationships in a university setting through findings from 20 semi-structured qualitative interviews with University Police Department (UPD) officers and BIPOC students (10 interviews per sample). The findings show (1) varying BIPOC student’s perceptions, attitudes, and experiences towards the UPD with consequences for BIPOC students’ interactions and communications with officers, as well as their feelings of safety on campus; and (2) how officer’s understanding of BIPOC students’ perception and attitudes, and experiences with UPD impacts the way they provide security and assistance to this specific group on campus. The results of this study will be used to inform campus interventions to build healthier relationships between UPD and BIPOC students.

Authors

• Cassandra Michel, University of Miami

• Kathryn Nowotny, University of Miami