Assessing Perceptions of the Police among Street-Identified Black Americans: The Relevance of Neighborhood Conditions

Abstract

Although public attitudes toward the police have been widely examined over the past several decades, very few quantitative studies have focused on large community samples of street-identified Black populations. Drawing on data collected by a street participatory action research project conducted in two low-income urban Black neighborhoods, this paper examines perceptions of the police as a function of neighborhood and individual correlates among street-identified Black males and females. Study findings suggest that neighborhood physical disorder is negatively related to perceptions of the police, whereas social cohesion is positively linked to favorable perceptions. Older participants had more positive attitudes toward police, and respondents with prior arrest and incarceration experiences expressed more negative perceptions. Recommendations include improving housing and environmental management programs and constructively working with street-identified Black boys/men and girls/women to enhance public–police relations.

Plain language summary title

Neighborhood Conditions and Perceptions of Police Among Street-Identified Black Americans

Plain language summary

This study examines perceptions of the police among street-identified Black communities using data from two low-income urban neighborhoods in Wilmington, Delaware. Findings reveal that physical disorder (i.e., trash) is associated with negative views of the police, whereas strong community bonds correlate with more positive perceptions. Older participants generally held more favorable attitudes, while participants with history of arrests or incarceration expressed more negative views. This paper suggests improving housing and neighborhood conditions and working directly with the community to build better relationships with the police.