Attitudes Toward the Use of Racial/Ethnic Profiling to Prevent Crime and Terrorism

Abstract

Research indicates that public approval for the use of racial/ethnic profiling to prevent crime is low. In contrast, recent research and polling data suggest the public is more supportive of the use of racial/ethnic profiling to prevent terrorism. Using a survey-based experiment that varies the context for the use of racial/ethnic profiling (to prevent crime or to prevent terrorism), this study examines whether public approval for the use of racial/ethnic profiling by law enforcement officers differs across context. In addition, multivariate analyses examine whether the factors that are associated with support for the use of profiling, including race of respondent, salience of crime and terrorism, perceived racial bias in the justice system, and racial stereotyping, vary across context.

Discretion and fairness in airport security screening

“…Further, research might examine the various aspects of procedural justice and their connection to future compliance with authority to test the full Tyler process-based model in the context of counterterrorism research ( Tyler et al , 2010 ). Comparing treatment of more specifi c racial groups, comparing the exercise of discretion between security and other law enforcement entities, and examining public opinion about discretion in different contexts (see, for example, Johnson et al , 2011 ) are also research projects that can build a sturdier evidence base for understanding discretion in homeland security. Such research can also help TSA build a long-term strategy of establishing their legitimacy, just as it focuses on comprehensive strategies for securing the safety of airports.…”

Why White Americans More Frequently Fail to View the Police Critically

“…Those who identify either as a Republican or as conservative appear less likely to view the police as biased or unjust (Callanan and Rosenberger, 2011; Matsueda and Drakulich, 2009; Pickett et al, 2018; Wozniak et al, 2020), less likely to believe they use excessive force or otherwise misbehave (Callanan and Rosenberger, 2011; Wozniak et al, 2020), and generally like, support, or express confidence in the police (Callanan and Rosenberger, 2011; Cao et al, 1998; Fine et al, 2019; Wozniak et al, 2020; Zamble and Annesley, 1987). Those identifying as Republican or conservative are also more likely to hold related views, such as supporting police use of force or racial profiling (Gabbidon et al, 2009; Johnson et al, 2011; Silver and Pickett, 2015), and opposing Black Lives Matter (Drakulich et al, 2021; Updegrove et al, 2020).…”