Will the Victim report the crime? An Analysis of how Perceptions of the Criminal Justice System affect Reporting to the Police

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Research suggests that race, prior contact, and victimization are important concepts in the examination of perceptions of the criminal justice system. This relationship has primarily focused on predicting perceptions of the criminal justice system rather than predicting behaviors that may be affected by those perceptions. What is less well known is whether perceptions of the criminal justice system affect a person calling for help if they were victimized. Using individual level survey data, trust and confidence in the criminal justice system was examined in relation to an individual calling the police if they were victimized. Findings from this study will have future implications for rebuilding trust in the criminal justice system for individuals who refuse to call if they were a victim of a crime.

Authors

• Brittani A. McNeal, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Emily Renee Berthelot, University of Arkansas at Little Rock