Navigating Fear and Trust: Refugees' Perceptions of Crime and Law Enforcement

• In Event: Marginalized Communities and Perspectives on Police and Crime

Abstract

This study examines refugees’ perceptions of and attitudes toward law enforcement and fear of crime in the Texas Panhandle. Despite national discussions on community policing and trust-building, refugee communities remain largely overlooked. Using in-depth interviews with 29 refugees from diverse backgrounds, this study explores three key questions: (1) How do refugees perceive law enforcement? (2) What factors shape their attitudes toward law enforcement and fear of crime? (3) What strategies can improve refugee-law enforcement relations? Our research findings suggest that refugees reside in neighborhoods with limited infrastructure, such as poor lighting and inadequate security, which heightens their fear of crime. Additionally, most refugees have minimal direct engagement with law enforcement, reinforcing perceptions that police are primarily present in response to crime rather than as proactive community partners. This lack of interaction fosters reluctance to engage with police, further deepening mistrust. Participants suggested that increased community outreach, culturally informed engagement, and proactive policing could strengthen relationships between law enforcement and refugee communities. By providing law enforcement agencies with evidence-based recommendations, this study highlights the importance of inclusive, community-driven policing approaches. Strengthening refugee-police relations can enhance trust, reduce fear, and contribute to broader democratic ideals of public safety and procedural justice.

Authors

• Ming Xie, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

• Joel Denney, Texas State University

• Sohee Kim, West Texas A&M University