Gendered Perceptions of Police Conduct: Public Reactions to Officer Gender in a Traffic Stop Scenario

• In Event: Perception on police methods and legal cynicism

Abstract

This study explores the influence of police officer gender on public attitudes during an interaction between an officer and a citizen suspected of driving under the influence. Using an experimental survey with a sample of 1,193 U.S. adults, participants were randomly assigned to read a hypothetical news story in which the officer's gender was manipulated (Control: no gender, T1: male, and T2: female). The study sought to determine whether officer gender affected evaluations of the officer's conduct, including appropriateness, reasonableness, the need for backup, and the potential for de-escalation. While no significant differences were found for most evaluations, respondents were significantly more likely to recommend that a female officer call for backup, indicating that gendered expectations may shape perceptions of when additional support is needed during conflict. The findings suggest that officer gender does not significantly affect broader evaluations of police conduct in lesser contentious scenarios.

Authors

• John C Navarro, Sam Houston State University

• Michael A. Hansen, University of Turku

• Sierra A Malvitz, Rice University