Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Department
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice
Advisor
Grace Telesco
Committee Member
Marcelo Castro
Committee Member
Maria Levi-Minzi
Committee Member
Larry Massey
Keywords
excessive use of force, implicit bias, minority, person of color, racial profiling, use of force
Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of people of color who have experienced interactions with law enforcement during adulthood. Utilizing a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 individuals of color. The findings illuminated various perceptions significantly influenced by personal experiences and community context. The most prominent themes identified by the majority of participants include: (1) frequency of police encounters; (2) personal experiences with law enforcement; (3) negative experiences; (4) racial profiling; (5) police misconduct or mistreatment; (6) police use of force and excessive force; (7) contributing factors to these experiences; (8) perceptions of law enforcement officers; (9) accountability and lack of remorse from participants; and (10) recommendations for improving police-community relations.
While some participants reported neutral or positive interactions with police, the overarching sentiment was one of cautious skepticism. The findings in this study suggest a pervasive sense of distrust felt by people of color toward law enforcement. This apprehension stems from several factors including the participants’ shared experience of police misconduct and mistreatment, unjust targeting, and excessive use of force. This research underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive policing policies and greater community engagement from law enforcement to foster trust and understanding. The findings can inform future policy development and community outreach programs tailored to improve relationships between police and communities of color.
NSUWorks Citation
Summer Louis. 2024. In Their Own Words: The Unique Perceptions of Minority Encounters With Law Enforcement. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (705)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/705.
