Dialogue can build understanding between the police and young Black adults: findings from a restorative process

• In Event: POL Panel 26. Police interventions and their impact on crime and vulnerable groups.

Abstract

Relationships between the police and minority ethnic communities are often characterised by tension and mistrust. It seems unlikely that the solutions lie in the traditional approaches to police-community engagement. This paper outlines key findings from one of the first studies to use restorative practices to facilitate dialogue between police officers and young Black adults. This took place in Dublin, Ireland, in a part of the city where the police recently shot and killed a Black man. The findings demonstrate the viability of restorative practices to enable young Black adults and police officers to participate in structured, open and safe dialogue that directly addresses the relationship between them. Observational and interview data suggest that the process helped participants better understand each other’s lives, experiences and perspectives, building relationships and empathy as a result. This aligns with findings from similar evaluated projects in other countries. If facilitated at scale, dialogue might help improve police-community relationships. Although this will require a substantial collaboration between communities, civil society bodies and police forces, the potential benefits of replicating this work considerably outweigh the costs. Still, questions remain as to the prospects for addressing structural inequities in policing practice.

Author

• Ian Marder, Maynooth University