The knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of police toward capital punishment help to shape public opinion regarding the death penalty. Prior research has not consistently identified the relationship between knowledge and attitudes of officers regarding capital punishment. This article examines that relationship, as well as the role of background factors and other attitudes.
Survey questionnaires were given in 1995 to Boston area police recruits in Massachusetts. One hundred and three officers answered questions regarding their background characteristics, knowledge of and attitudes toward capital punishment, and other attitudes that prior research has shown to be associated with support for or opposition to the death penalty.
The findings reveal that police recruits favor the death penalty even more strongly than the public, with those least knowledgeable about the realities of the death penalty more likely to support capital punishment. Knowledge of discrimination in the application of capital punishment, its great expense, its lack of general deterrence, and that it has resulted in the execution of innocent citizens were associated with opposition to the death penalty. Women, minorities, and those police recruits with more education also tended to oppose capital punishment. Those opposed to abortions were likely to favor executions.
The findings imply that police have an important role to play in the debate over capital punishment. Their knowledge, experience, and attitudes can identify critical issues in this debate.
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