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Can You Build a Better Cop?

NCJ Number
306963
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: 2018 Pages: 41-87
Author(s)
Emily Owens; David Weisburd; Karen L. Amendola; Geoffrey P. Alpert
Date Published
2018
Length
47 pages
Annotation

The authors demonstrate that a relatively minor supervisory intervention may change how police and citizens interact with each other.

Abstract

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)