Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to examine what affects individual’s perceptions of the police through a review of the literature. Because the police work directly with their community, opinions that their communities hold of the police can affect their ability to perform their job effectively. Particular focus is given to justice-impacted persons. A justice-impacted person is an individual who is at risk for incarceration, has been incarcerated, or has had family members incarcerated. It is advantageous to survey justice-impacted persons regarding their perceptions of the police because they have had direct contact with the police. This contrasts with general population perceptions, which may be formed based on media portrayal or apprehension of crime. Legitimacy, procedural justice, and media consumption are some of the variables that are examined. Some strategies for enhancing public perceptions of police officers include implementing peacemaking criminology and enhancing pre-employment criteria and training. Community policing is used as an example of peacemaking criminology. This method of law enforcement involves officers building and maintaining strong relationships with the people within the community they serve. Additionally, the Fairmont State University Police Academy is utilized as an example of reform, integrating an academic understanding of policing with practical field training to cultivate well-rounded and knowledgeable officers.
Recommended Citation
Williamson, Taylor
(2024)
"Perceptions of Police: Justice-Impacted and Non-Impacted Opinions,"
The Mid-Southern Journal of Criminal Justice: Vol. 23, Article 4.
Available at:
https://mds.marshall.edu/msjcj/vol23/iss1/4