NCJ Number
161900
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 1 Dated: (1996) Pages: 17-28
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This analysis of attitudinal data collected from a statewide sample in Washington on public perceptions of State police found significant gender differences and observed that the number of citations an individual received affected his or her perceptions of police.
Abstract
The study involved 892 households which were surveyed in three mailing waves and one telephone followup over a 4-month period in 1993, with a response rate of 56 percent. The dependent study variable and predictor variables such as sex and age measured attitudes toward State police. Study data were also collected on whether the respondent had received a warning or a citation, the evaluative context of the most recent encounter, and the number of citations an individual had received over the past 2 years. Findings revealed female respondents were less likely than male respondents to hold positive attitudes toward State police. Age appeared to have an inconsistent effect on individual perceptions of police, and educational level was not a significant determinant of attitudes toward police. An individual's perception of unsatisfactory or unfair treatment decreased the probability of positive perceptions. Further, an unclear explanation by police concerning a citation or a warning decreased the probability of positive perceptions. Overall, the study demonstrated there is an important relationship between the way in which citizens are treated and positive perceptions toward State police. Policy implications of the findings are discussed. 42 references, 14 notes, and 5 tables