Public opinion and satisfaction with state law enforcement

Abstract

PurposePublic opinion regarding the police is generally positive, although there are number of individual and contextual variables that affect these views. Yet research examining public perceptions regarding state law enforcement agencies (particularly state patrols) is rare.Design/methodology/approachThe paper utilizes a representative state‐wide sample of state residents and examine their perceptions of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP).FindingsThe paper finds positive views of the CSP overall and place particular emphasis on how individual, contextual, and contact‐related variables affect opinions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focusses on one state patrol and is not generalizable to all state patrols and to other forms of state law enforcement.Originality/valueThe paper fills a void in the research on public opinion regarding state law enforcement and discuss similarities and differences in how they are viewed when compared to municipal agencies.

@#%$!: The Impact of Officer Profanity on Civilians’ Perception of What Constitutes Reasonable Use of Force

“…The implications of our research, and that conducted by Patton et al (2017) and others (Baseheart & Cox, 1993;Johnson, 2004;Reisig & Chandek, 2001;Shelley et al, 2013;Skogan, 2005;Woodhull, 1995), are clear. Police officers and police uses of force are viewed less favorably when the police use profanity.…”

“…Substantial research, however, suggests that the use of profanity by police officers is viewed negatively. Several researchers have found that a police officer’s use of profanity and/or personal insults during traffic stops was strongly correlated with negative peceptions of the officers by those who were stopped (Johnson, 2004; Reisig & Chandek, 2001; Shelley et al, 2013; Skogan, 2005; Woodhull, 1995). In mock traffic stops, for example, Baseheart and Cox (1993) found that officers who used profanity were perceived as less friendly, less fair, and less just.…”