Citizens’ observations of police use of excessive force and their evaluation of police performance

Abstract

Examines the relationship between the observation of police use of force and the subsequent evaluation of police performance. The data in this study were obtained from a random sample of 992 Ohio citizens. Finds that the observation of police use of force that the respondents judged excessive had a significantly negative effect on their perception of police performance. The effect of this observation remained significant even after controlling for sociodemographic, experiential and neighborhood characteristics. Suggests that the police could substantially increase citizens’ satisfaction with their performance by reducing incidents and allegations of police misconduct.

Citation

Soo Son, I., Tsang, C., Rome, D.M. and Davis, M.S. (1997), "Citizens’ observations of police use of excessive force and their evaluation of police performance", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 149-159. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639519710162060