Shades of blue : an interpretative phenomological analysis of non-white police instructors regarding highly publicized uses of force by law enforcement

Abstract

problems between police and communities of color such as incidents of abuse of authority, distrust, and expectations regarding the use of deadly force. The problems have persisted, if not intensified, over the years and warrant additional examination. The current context of policing in the United States is centered on racial issues. A quick internet search will locate countless controversial videos highlighting differences between the race of the officer and individuals involved in or present when the officer uses force. Research into race and the use of force by police has led to conclusions that either persons of color are more likely to engage in criminal activity and therefore interact more frequently with the police, or that police hold a biased view persons of color as threatening and therefore seek them out on a more regular basis (James, Klinger, & Vila, 2014). Additionally, Americans who are persons of color are less likely than White Americans to support the use of force by police (Halim & Stiles, 2001; Johnson & Kuhns, 2009; Thompson & Lee, 2004). Missing from these studies are the perspectives of officers of color in relation to these issues. This problem informs this study: police officers of color are uniquely situated in the relationship between law enforcement and persons of color. The purpose of this IPA study was to explore how seven police instructors of color experience the impact of high-profile and widely publicized incidents of the use of force on persons of color.