In Their Own Words: HBCU Students' Perspectives and Experiences with American Police

• In Event: Race/Ethnicity, Public Opinion, and Criminal Justice

Abstract

In a democracy, police agencies must derive their legitimacy from public confidence and adherence to the principles of fairness and equal protection under the law. This presentation explores findings from a federally funded initiative entitled “I Fear for My Life: Building Trust and Reducing Fear Between Police and Communities” as conducted over three phases from 2022 to 2025. The study examines college students’ perceptions of and experiences with police officers across the United States, utilizing mixed methods to include survey and in-depth focus group interviews of nearly 300 college students, conducted at 16 colleges and universities including 14 HBCUs. Major themes include experiences with disproportionate police contact, feelings of fear and anxiety, the presumption of guilt, and discourteous officer demeanor. Democracies thrive when all citizens, including Black young adults, feel protected rather than policed. Community-derived strategies aimed at reducing fear, building trust, and improving justice outcomes will also be presented.

Author

• Kideste Yusef, HBCU Criminal Justice Workgroup / Bethune Cookman University