NCJ Number
208282
Journal
Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 487-497
Editor(s)
Lawrence F. Travis III
Date Published
2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined what communication behaviors citizens view as appropriate during traffic stops.
Abstract
With the importance of a respectful demeanor by police officers having been established, it is necessary to develop a definition and understanding of what the public considers “respectful” and “appropriate” interpersonal communication for police officers. The most frequently occurring police-citizen interaction identified is traffic stops. This study surveyed 245 college students about their preferences with regard to officers’ behavior during traffic stops in order to determine what the motoring public perceive as fair and respectful behavior, if the perceptions of all citizens are generally the same or if there are variations, and if these expectations fit the current police traffic stop practices in use. The survey results demonstrated that citizens, especially young adults, shared fairly consistent preferences for what they expected in police officer behavior during traffic stops. They preferred the officer to allow them to explain their reason in committing the violation, the officer smile and use a friendly tone, and the officer explain their options in handling the ticket. The findings support the basic tenets of the judo traffic stop procedure. The study provided support for the importance of procedural justice, suggesting that people care as much, or more about the fairness of government processes as they do about the outcomes of the processes. References