How Do Administrative Policies Affect Police Misconduct?

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Police misconduct has been a pervasive and controversial issue particularly over the last few years. Some law enforcement agencies have implemented administrative policies regarding body cameras, mandatory reporting, and bias training to help curb the problem. Research shows these incidents often contain elements of racial bias against people of color. Studies have shown that racial profiling, use of force, and stop and frisk policies disproportionately affect people of color (Murphy, 2018). Specifically, unarmed African American males are more likely to be shot and killed (Price & Payton, 2017). This study sought to see how police department policies affect citizens—specifically, police misconduct such as physical assaults and homicides. Using the 2013 Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics data series and data from the Henry A. Wallace Police Crime database, it was found that only some administrative policies affect the actions of law enforcement toward citizens. These actions also vary by race, sex, and region of the country.

Authors

• Alesa Liles, Georgia College & State University

• Kamryn Gooden, Georgia College & State University