NCJ Number
229870
Journal
International Journal of Police Science and Management Volume: 12 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2010 Pages: 12-22
Date Published
2010
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Using data gathered from a 2004 Gallup poll, this study examined whether perceptions of bad race relations fed the perception that racial profiling was justified and widespread, and whether personal feelings of safety were related to citizens' opinions regarding police practices.
Abstract
The findings from this study indicate that citizens' views about race relations influence public opinion on racial profiling while perceptions of safety related to physical harm and violence do not. The study explored two hypotheses related to the influence of race relations and perceptions of safety on public opinion regarding racial profiling in traffic stops. Data for this study came from a 2004 poll conducted by the Gallup Organization that examined the perceptions of Whites and racial/ethnic minorities on a variety of issues. The sample included more than 2,000 individuals with an oversampling of Blacks (n=800) and Hispanics (n=500). The oversampling required the use of sampling weights, which allows the results to be generalized to the entire United States. Logistic regression was used to test the connection between race relations, perceptions of safety, and perceptions that racial profiling is justified, and to test the connection between race relations, perceptions of safety, and the perception that racial profiling is widespread. The results of the analyses are mixed and show the need for continuing efforts to improve race relations. Tables and references