How Officers Interpret Black Lives Matter: Is It Accurately Understood by Those Who Police the Protests?

• In Event: Activism, Protest & Policing

Abstract

Despite Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests being primarily peaceful, they are often framed as violent by the media. This framing may contribute to one’s understanding of the BLM organization, including the police. The current study examines how officers come to understand BLM and how their understanding may influence their beliefs regarding protests. Interviews were conducted with police officers a year after the 2020 George Floyd protests in Virginia. Thematic findings reflected (1) a lack of knowledge about BLM among White officers, (2) conflicting attitudes about BLM protests, and (3) the negative impact of news coverage on officers associating BLM protests with crime. Implications are discussed.

Author

• Joshua Ruffin, Towson University