The Nature and Impact of Police Officer Priming in the Field: A Systematic Social Observation of Body-Worn Camera Video in Kansas City, MO

• In Event: Video Data Analysis for Policing Research: Innovations and Next Steps

Abstract

Research consistently demonstrates that police-citizen interactions are transactional in nature, with each involved party's actions influencing the other. Police officer decision-making can be impacted by situational factors during such dynamic interactions. One important, but relatively understudied, situational factor is priming—a subliminal or overt stimulus that precedes an event and affects a behavioral response. Research on priming in policing predominately focuses on how information communicated by dispatchers may steer officers towards specific outcomes. However, we believe dispatchers represent only one potential source of priming, given the fast-paced, dynamic nature of police-citizen interactions. Using Body Worn Camera video from the Kansas City Police Department, we document the different sources of and nature (i.e., positive or negative) of priming. We then analyze the effect priming has on police officer behavior, specifically examining how priming may impact officer tone, adherence to procedural justice, and law enforcement actions. Finally, we consider how the nature of the interaction (e.g., drug or mental health emergencies, etc.) shapes the impact of priming. By analyzing these dynamics, we provide insight into the complex role priming may have in influencing police officer behavior, with implications relating to training and policy development.

Authors

• Ciela C. Capage, Northeastern University

• Dale Dan-Irabor, Northeastern University

• Eric L. Piza, Northeastern University

• Savannah A. Reid, Northeastern University

• Victoria A. Sytsma, Queen's University