Examining the effect of early experiences of discrimination on trust in the police in the Netherlands

• In Event: POL Panel 5. Young people and police contact

Abstract

Prior research consistently finds that youths, and particularly those belonging to ethnic/racial minority groups, tend to have weakened trust in police. Determining why this is the case remains a key priority, as bolstering trust in police can increase public perceptions of their legitimacy and empower people to engage with them. As a visible group, youths tend to be targeted more by the police than others: hence they are more likely to perceive and experience discrimination from police. This study draws on longitudinal survey data of youths living in the Netherlands to understand the extent to which prior experiences of discrimination shape youths' trust in police when accounting for participants' ethnic/racial minority status. Also of interest is the role of friendships in shaping trust in police when accounting for the effects of felt discrimination. Based on the legal socialization and social capital literature, this study explores the effect of inter-group friendships on trust in police. Our findings spotlight the impact of prior experiences of discrimination on trust, and the socializing role of friendships.

Authors

• Harley Williamson, Utrecht University

• Amy Nivette, Utrecht University