Racialized Policing and Well Being: Findings and Policy Recommendations from a Community Engaged Research Project

• In Event: Roundtable: Law Enforcement and Correctional Practice

Abstract

In this paper, we present findings from a multi-method study of the question of the effects of policing on the well-being of the African American Community in a large, predominantly Black Midwestern city. Data collection for the project was carried out in collaboration with Black community organizations and an independent police oversight board. Our analyses draw on a dataset of surveys with adults and adolescents (n=127) as well as rich ethnographic data from five large community conversation events that were coded collaboratively by the multidisciplinary team and community partners. We find that police trauma impacts mental health and well-being of our Black participants negatively, yet the Black community has developed strategies of resilience and coping. Our findings overall reveal the importance of intersectional approaches when studying the impact of racialized policing: An intentional effort must be made to highlight the voices of underrepresented groups within the African American community such as youth, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with disabilities. We conclude by offering policy recommendations for policing, police oversight, legislative systems, as well as further research.

Authors

• Robert Peralta, The University of Akron

• Daniela Jauk-Ajamie, The University of Akron

• Juan Xi, The University of Akron

• Auriel Jasper-Morris, The University of Akron