Racial Biases in Officer-involved Shootings: An In-depth Analysis of Video Footage

• In Event: Race and Police Violence

Abstract

Officer-involved shootings (OIS) of black, indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC) concern fundamental societal issues including race, violence, and policing. While the research field has gathered extensive insights on contextual circumstances, the unfolding of encounters still remains a black box. Research is still debating whether racialized biases actually matter for shootings. To study this question, this project takes a detailed look at police-resident encounters as they unfold. It discusses findings from an in-depth analysis of video-captured shootings, comparing police shootings of BIPOC and white residents, as well as shootings to a non-shooting. The study triangulates video footage with document data to study interaction dynamics in depth. Findings suggest two intertwined processes of dehumanization contribute to the shootings of BIPOC residents. They highlight how cultural and situational explanations can be merged to explain OIS as well as complete each other’s theoretical blind spots. Findings specify how these two are connected in OIS: Findings highlight racialized biases shape interactional interpretations, while situational dynamics, such as avoidance of face-to-face confrontations, are highly relevant in determining the use of force. Findings contribute to research on race and racism, violence, police use of lethal force, and sociological theory.

Author

• Anne Nassauer, University of Erfurt