An Exploratory Analysis of Drug Arrest Cases Among Police Officers

• In Event: Poster Session 1

Abstract

Few studies have examined offender characteristics, conviction outcomes, and employment outcomes of officers who have engaged in drug-related crimes. This study explores drug-related criminal arrest cases committed by non-federal sworn law enforcement officers. The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the characteristics of police officers who have committed drug-related crimes. This study uses data collected between 2005 and 2019 from the Henry A. Wallace Police Crime Database to examine the individual characteristics, offense characteristics, criminal case disposition, and employment outcome characteristics of officers who have committed drug-related crimes. Results of this study can be used to inform drug policies and training programs within police organizations and to better understand drug use and drug crime among police.

Authors

• Nikolas North King, Bowling Green State University

• Eric Cooke, Bowling Green State University

• Philip M. Stinson, Bowling Green State University