Perceptions of Procedural Justice and Police Legitimacy: A Comparison of Perceptions between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Youths

• In Event: Police Legitimacy and Public Opinion

Abstract

Procedural justice and police legitimacy are becoming important outcomes for the police. There has been extensive research examining procedural justice and police legitimacy. While the procedural justice-legitimacy framework has been validated, there is a gap in the literature when it comes to Hispanic juveniles. The goal of this study is to assess Hispanic juveniles’ perceptions of the police compared to non-Hispanic juveniles. Specifically their views on procedural justice and police legitimacy. Additionally, the study will also examine if socioeconomic status affects the juveniles’ perceptions toward the police. A sample of detained juveniles (n = 377) provided the data for this analysis. The findings will be reviewed, followed by proposed recommendations for policy and practice.

Author

• George Gabriel Garza, Texas State University