The Effects of Police Contact: An Examination of Variation in Labeling Processes by Age

• In Event: Examining the Link between the Age of Officially-Processed Individuals and Criminal Justice Practices

Abstract

A renewed interest in labeling theory has prompted researchers to examine whether the effects of labels associated with justice system involvement vary across groups or conditions. Although demographic characteristics such as race and sex are often at the forefront of this research, few studies examine whether the labeling process is moderated by age. This study seeks to identify whether the effects of police contact (i.e., being stopped or arrested) vary across youth between the ages of 11 and 14. With data from the second National Evaluation of the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program (2006 – 2012), path modeling is used to analyze the direct relationship between police contact and delinquency, as well as the indirect effects on delinquency through three labeling mechanisms: social exclusion and opportunities, deviant attitudes, and involvement with delinquent peers.

Author

• Stephanie A. Wiley, University of Missouri - St. Louis