Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Jennifer Allen

Committee Member

Chad Waxman

Committee Member

Michele Adler-Sanchez

Keywords

Efficacy, Emerging adults, Image, Perception, Police, Public

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of emerging adults toward police efficacy and image. The study was descriptive, used quantitative methodology, and utilized a non-experimental design. Close-ended questions were used in an online format to survey emerging adults aged 18-25 years in the United States. The data was collected using the SurveyMonkey Audience, which was relatively cost-effective, able to gather information from the target audience within a short period of time, and efficient with any sample size. The study occurred over two months in 2024. Emerging adults in the United States aged 18-25 years irrespective of their race, political affiliation, occupation or contact with the police were used in the study. Frequency, variance, and measures of tendency statistics were used in the data analysis for answering the research questions. The findings demonstrated that emerging adults have a significant positive perception of police image and efficacy, but some areas needed improvement. The media also had mixed influences on perception of police efficacy and image. Thus, calling for the need for change in practice and policing among stakeholders to enhance the perception on police image and efficacy.

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