5 Things You Should Know About Policing In America

Racial Differences Exist Both Within and Without Police

Unsurprisingly, officers of different racial groups have different views on pressing issues. One example of this is how officers view high profile shootings. White and hispanic officers overwhelmingly see them as isolated incidents. In contrast, a majority of black officers see them as signs of a broader problem. A majority of the public believes that these incidents are a sign of a broader problem (Page 75).

Race also affects how officers view protests over policing issues. White and Hispanic officers are more likely to see them as stemming from anti-police sentiment. Black officers are more likely to see them as genuine attempts to hold officers accountable.

When asked if police were protectors, enforcers, or both, there were racial differences. Speaking generally, officers were more likely than the public to see themselves as either both or primarily a protector. Officers were far more similar to each other than members of the public in their racial group. Citizens, particularly black and hispanic citizens, were more likely to see officers as primarily enforcers.