Racial differences in Police experiences: investigation into the factors influencing citizen-police co-operation

Previous research demonstrates that ethnic minorities are more averse to aiding in an on-going police investigation (Viki, Culmer, Eller & Abrams, 2006). It is suggested that having had a negative experience in the past with the police may effect a variety of variables, influencing ones’ willingness to cooperate. Data was collected from 120 individuals (40 Caucasian, 40 Black and 40 Asian) and provided some insight into the relationship between the variables linked to contact, attitudes and behavioural intentions to cooperate. Significant racial differences existed on a number of measures between groups and associations between variables. Specifically the findings indicate that the greater number of negative past experiences, higher mistrust, negative attitudes and lower expectations of a meeting with a police officer in the future, all contribute to lower intentions to cooperate with the police. Practicality, implications and limitations are discussed as are steps for further research.