NCJ Number
218181
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice: An International Journal Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2007 Pages: 193-203
Date Published
March 2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study explored the impact of media consumption on citizen attitudes toward police misconduct and discrimination.
Abstract
The study results revealed that the media had little significant impact on the attitudes of citizens toward police misconduct or discrimination. The significant findings that did emerge revealed that citizens who heavily consumed network news media were more likely to believe that police misconduct was a frequent event. Minority citizens who frequently consumed network news media were especially likely to hold this belief and to also believe that Whites received better treatment by the police. Other findings indicated that citizens who frequently viewed police dramas were more likely to believe that the wealthy received preferential treatment from police while citizens who frequently viewed crime solving dramas believed that the wealthy did not receive preferential treatment. Comparing all the findings, the consumption of network news had the most impact on citizens’ attitudes. Data were drawn from the 2000 Law and Media Survey, a nationally representative random telephone survey of 1,011 adults residing in the United States. Variables under analysis included consumption of several different media forms and attitudes toward police regarding misconduct and discriminatory practices. The relationship between media consumption and perceptions of police misconduct and discrimination were examined using linear and binomial logistic regression. Given the proliferation of crime shows and crime news coverage on television, continued research on its impact is warranted. Tables, references