The purpose of this study is to examine the implicit biases of police officers to better understand factors which may contribute to certain adverse behavior during encounters with black males while on duty. Therefore, participants for the research consist of police officers from the Capital Police Department (CPD). The stakeholders are the seven-hundred police officers who are employed by the Capitol Police Department. However, the surveys, interviews, and observations will primarily concentrate on officers who work at the four precincts due to the fact they have the greatest contact with local citizens.
The data collection for this research starts with access to the Capital Police Department personnel, …show more content…
The questionnaire has seventeen questions on the front and back of the form which will include scenarios and a place for police officer responses. Additionally, the questionnaire will be offered on three separate occasions of predetermined days to insure an opportunity for all officers to voluntarily participate. The assessor will have an opportunity to address the officers and personally request they take a 5 to 10-minute survey to be filled out and turned in immediately. The incentive for officer participation will be an opportunity for them to share their understanding, training and experience regarding inherent bias, and de-escalation. Not to mention, the opportunity for them to share their knowledge and motivation when making difficult decisions in the line of duty. Additionally, the results will be disclosed to the department and participants after the completion of the …show more content…
The survey is constructed in four sections. The first section assesses the classification and characteristics of the volunteers to stratify the data. The second section looks at how officers perceive and are affected by certain biases. The third section investigates officer awareness of bias, prejudice, de-escalation training and if the training affected their behavior or responsibilities as officers. The survey concludes with scenarios and the officer’s interpretation and reasoning for their decision.
The physical presence of researchers will allow for a small opportunity to explain the purpose of the survey and respond to any general questions prior to participation. The rationale is that the presence of the researcher and the support of an authority figure will increase officer’s willingness to participate and complete the questionnaire. It is important to the validity and reliability of the study. Including surveys as a part of other method supports what Creswell (2013) mentioned that how varying approaches reduce the risk of bias and allows for improved understanding of the issues being