Can You Build a Better Cop?

The authors demonstrate that a relatively minor supervisory intervention may change how police and citizens interact with each other. The study presents an experimental evaluation of a procedural justice training program designed to “slow down” police officers’ thought processes during citizen encounters. Results show that officers randomly assigned to participate in training were as engaged in the community as similarly situated officers, but they were less likely to resolve incidents with an arrest or to be involved in incidents where force was used. These changes were most evident among officers who work in area with a modest level of risk.  (Published Abstract Provided)