Lecture 5d: Racism And Police Brutality In America (Chaney & Robertson, 2013)

Question 1

Design of the study

Answer 1

This study looked at how individuals (in the US) perceive the police department relating to:
- Contempt for law enforcement
- Suspicion of law enforcement
- Law enforcement as agents of brutality
- Respect for law enforcement

Question 2

Critical race theory

Answer 2

Says that racial bias is inherent in many parts of Western society, especially in its legal and social institutions, because they are primarily designed for white people. Further, critical race theory captures how race is structurally embedded within institutional structures (law enforcement, police), increasing the likelihood of disparate different treatment of marginalised social groups.

Question 3

Results

Answer 3

There were 6000 reports of misconduct by law enforcement in that year and 400 cases linked to fatalities.

Question 4

General feelings about law enforcement

Answer 4

The narratives form the 36 respondents reveal that the majority of individuals have a negative view of law enforcement. Mot had a strong contempt for them, were suspicious of them or saw them as perpetrators of police brutality.

Question 5

4 main findings

Answer 5

• Contempt for law enforcement: there was more contempts for police officers than for other law enforcement.
• Suspicion of law enforcement: most people thought of law enforcement as still using force when this wasn’t needed, or knowing they are wrong but still doing it.
• Law enforcement as agents of brutality: many respondent had stories about their own experiences with this, but most still believe the police to do their job.
• Respect for law enforcement: most individuals had a high regard for law enforcement, but they may know someone who is a police officer.