From Outrage to Action: Understanding Public Support For Transformative Policing Measures

• In Event: Activism, Protest & Policing

Abstract

The 2020 deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd marked a culmination of decades of criticism of law enforcement and movements against anti-Black racism, inciting unprecedented societal upheaval and prompting widespread activism, introspection, and a re-evaluation of the role of police in American society. Despite being heralded as a potential turning point for nationwide police reform, aside from a few municipalities, the 2020 crisis has not brought significant structural changes to policing, notably those advocated by supporters of the divest and invest model. Some attribute this inaction to public reluctance to embrace such measures, whether due to misunderstanding the underlying goals or pre-existing attitudes. The current study employs a framing experiment to investigate how presenting such proposals—whether as slogans or explicit strategies—affects public support. Additionally, it explores how anti-Black sentiment and political attitudes influence support, irrespective of framing. While misperceptions can be addressed through education and intervention, entrenched partisanship and anti-Black racism underscore deeper issues within public discourse, questioning the efficacy of public sentiment alone in evaluating a proposal’s societal value. Through this examination, the research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of public perceptions surrounding measures aimed at transforming the policing apparatus.

Author

• Ayanna Miller, Northeastern University