Police Perception among LGBTQI+ Adults: Perceptions of Police Treatment, Lifetime Experiences with Police, and Reporting Victimization to Police

• In Event: Perceptions of Police from Diverse Perspectives

Abstract

Research on LGBTQI+ experiences with the police has largely focused on experiences of discrimination and victimization by the police. This mixed-method study expands that knowledge by looking at lifetime experiences with the police, reporting of victimization beyond police experience, and why LGBTQI+ individuals perceive their own experiences with police as they do. The primary aim of this study is to understand how individual intersectional identity and lifetime experiences with police impact victimization reporting behavior. The study utilized a sample of 376 individuals who identify as LGBTQI+ in four states in different regions in the U.S. through an online survey platform. Results examine perceptions of lifetime experiences with police, the reasons why these experiences may be positive/negative, lifetime experiences of victimization, and police reporting behavior. Policy and research recommendations will be discussed.

Authors

• Sadia Khan, East Carolina University

• Michelle L. Malkin, East Carolina University

• Michele Stacey, East Carolina University