Shaun Gabbidon
Distinguished Professor Of Criminal Justice, Penn State Harrisburg
Key Findings
- Blacks were more likely than Whites to believe that police did not treat Black individuals fairly.
- As the respondent’s age increased, they were less likely to believe that Blacks were treated unfairly.
- Respondents from the South were the most likely to believe that Blacks were not treated fairly.
- Hispanic respondents were more likely than White respondents to perceive police mistreatment of Blacks.
- Respondents that perceived race relations as poor were more likely to believe that police mistreat Blacks.
- Respondents were less likely to believe Blacks were mistreated by the police if they were conservative, male, or had higher incomes.
- Respondents were more likely to believe Blacks were mistreated by the police if they had higher levels of education.
Description
In the article, “The Role of Race/Ethnicity and Race Relations on Public Opinion Related to the Treatment of Blacks by the Police,” Gabbidon and his co-authors expand on previous research examining public opinions on police treatment of Black citizens. To conduct their study, the researchers used data from the 2004 Minority Rights & Relations/Black-White Social Audit Gallup poll that surveyed more than 2,000 Americans nationally. The results showed that Blacks were more likely than Whites to believe that police did not treat Black individuals fairly. As the respondent’s age increased, they were less likely to believe that Blacks were treated unfairly. Respondents from the South were the most likely to believe that Blacks were not treated fairly. Hispanic respondents were more likely than White respondents to perceive police mistreatment of Blacks. Respondents that perceived race relations as poor were more likely to believe that police mistreat Blacks. Respondents were less likely to believe Blacks were mistreated by the police if they were conservative, male, or had higher incomes. Respondents were more likely to believe Blacks were mistreated by the police if they had higher levels of education. In conclusion, the researchers note that the findings highlight a larger need to mend police-citizen relationships on a national level.