Harm-Focused Policing: A Comparison of Citizen and Patrol Deputy Perceptions on the Severity of Social Harms

Author

Christina Finn, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

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

Steven Hecht

Committee Member

Tina Jaeckle

Committee Member

Alex Edmonds

Keywords

harm-focused policing, social harm, social harm index, uniform crime report

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of Volusia County citizens and patrol deputies regarding the severity of social harms attributed to incidents of criminal activity. Despite the widespread assessments of crime, the perceptions of associated harms remain unclear. Developing a social harm index may provide current insight into the opinions of harm as perceived by both the public and law enforcement agencies. Using a sequential explanatory mixed method design, patrol deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and residents of Volusia County, Florida, were invited to complete a series of surveys and follow-up interviews. This study aimed to compare participant ratings on the severity of social harms that result from incidents of criminal activity, specifically those listed under the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Part II offenses. It also sought to determine participant descriptions of the various social harms that can result from incidents of criminal activities and their reasonings for each social harm severity rating.

NSUWorks Citation

Christina Finn. 2024. Harm-Focused Policing: A Comparison of Citizen and Patrol Deputy Perceptions on the Severity of Social Harms. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (634)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/634.