Legitimizing Police Violence: Assessing the Impact of Systematic Decision-Making and Morality in the U.S. and Ukraine

• In Event: Violence, Legitimacy, and Social Responses in Times of War and Conflict

Abstract

Over the last several decades, cases of excessive police use-of-force have garnered attention across the world. Police officers have discretionary power, though their ability to use force must adhere to regulation, professional standards, and societal expectations concerning appropriate conduct. However, in light of recent civil protests and activism, triggered by police brutality and state violence, debates around their legitimacy–including their right to use force to maintain law and order– have been central to discussions on police reform and abolition. In this paper, we analyze how individual characteristics of systematic decision-making and morality impact support for police violence across two different sociopolitical contexts (the United States and Ukraine). Results reveal variations in the effects of TRDM, self-control, and morality on police violence support between both countries. With regard to their cultural context, these findings provide important implications for research and policy.

Authors

• Jullianne Regalado, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware

• Jamie Yap, University of Delaware

• Anastasiia Timmer, California State University, Northridge

• Laura Iesue, Sam Houston State University

• Junseong Park, California State University, Northridge