The Effect Of Legal Factors On Police Behavior - 1425 Words

influence how they performed their job, however, if an officer or citizen responded negatively during their interaction, the outcome may prove to be problematic (Dunham et al., 2005). Previous studies have shown that the greatest influence in decision-making by the police during police-citizens encounters are based on legal factors. However, smaller studies continue to suggest that additional factors may play a role in police decision making during police-citizen encounters. The results of this study confirm prior studies which suggested citizen demeanor [disrespect] toward police greatly increases the probability of arrest. According to Regoeczi and Kent (2014), research â€Å"examines the influence of extra-legal factors† (p. 191);†¦show more content†¦Moderate hostility was shown to a have little or no effect on the likelihood of arrest, while high hostility, police-citizen encounters confirm previous research that this behavior does affect an officer’s d ecision to arrest. FACTORS INFLUENCING CITIZEN PERCEPTION OF THE POLICE Race and Adult Perception of the Police Empirical research points to possible disparities involving race during traffic stops. Racial targeting [racial profiling] originated because of the â€Å"War on Drugs†, which was declared in major cities across the United States to severely reduce the amount of narcotics brought into the country. Several reports of the suspects arrested for drug trafficking were minorities. The practice of conducting traffic stops to search for illegal trafficking, based solely on race, was adopted by law enforcement as a valuable tool to investigate potential drug smugglers. However, legal challenges were filed in several cities because many believed the practice of racial profiling violated individual’s [minorities] civil rights. In response, several law enforcement agencies developed new policies and training to address these concerns (Engel, Tillyer, Klahm, Frank, 2012). Recent research on racial profiling has begun to examine if race is used by police officers to discriminate against minorities and if this practice was based on preconceived notions (Dunham et al., 2005). Racial profiling is a very complex and controversial area ofShow MoreRelatedDoes Legal Cynicism Truly Have An Impact On Crime Rates? Essay1568 Words   |  7 PagesThis research paper aims to answer the question: Does legal cynicism truly have an impact on crime rates? While legal cynicism is not a term that is often discussed in the media or the news, it is a concept that is quite relevant to the lives of many Americans. This is quite relevant in society today, as there is a great deal of conflict between police officers and the public in many communities across the country. This is essentially what legal cynicism is about. It is defined as the â€Å"widespread viewRead MoreBody Cameras Improve Police Accountability Essay1469 Words   |  6 Pagesaccurate, objective account of every encounter with a civilian. Ideally, the camera would disc ourage police misconduct while protecting officers against unfounded civil complaints of brutality or corruption. While the use of body cameras may seem to invade the privacy of officers and the public, officers should wear body cameras because playing body cameras could improve, accountability, behavior, use of force, evidence, and processing and editing. Starting with accountability, very one’s actionRead MoreThe Public Idea Of Discretion1220 Words   |  5 Pagesthe public idea of discretion as a very misunderstood aspect of police work, therefore making the public’s opinions of police operations negative in some circumstances. Abdullah and Wells (2011) also highlight Packers crime control model saying that â€Å"A crime control model places high value on efficiency in apprehending and punishing offenders† and â€Å"to operate efficiently the officers must act quickly†. A more concise definition of police discretion is viewed by many law enforcement professionals asRead MoreProstitution And The United States1044 Words   |  5 Pagesmistake as it would exacerbate the problems caused by it not being legal. Many people view prostitution as a deplorable job held by women who have no other option. Yet just like the porn industry if regulation was implemented then most of the stigma surrounding it would dissipate. These stigmas include that the women are worthless and unnecessary as well as that there are no men who work in this industry as a sex worker. In both legal and illegal brothels both sexes participate on both sides. InRead MorePolice Officers And The Civil Libertarian And Economics Approaches1369 Words   |  6 Pageseconomics approaches assume intentional or purposeful discrimination by police offers. Although data from around the country suggest that racial minorities are often searched at a disproportionately higher rate than Whites, there is little empirical evidence that those disparities are the result of malice or purposeful profiling. We instead begin with the assumption—based on considerable empirical evidence—that the factors influencing police officersà ¢â‚¬â„¢ decisions are complex (Black 1980; Goldstein 1977; ReissRead MorePolice Role in Socety1863 Words   |  7 Pages1. Police Role in Society (Chapter 5 Police ) Criminal Justice-COLL | Police in Contemporary Society www.indiana.edu/~deanfac/.../cjus_p301_21339.html‎ Article: www.preservearticles.com/.../notes-on-the-role-of-police-in-society.html‎ Web Sites: Role of Police in Society – Activist Role www.activistrights.org.au †º Legal Context of Activism The Role of Police in a Democratic Society scholarlycommons.law.northwest...‎ 2. Religion (chapter 2 Determining Moral Behavior (OtherRead MoreCivil Liability and Private Police Essay1356 Words   |  6 PagesCivil Liability and Private Police Civil Liability and Private Police The police forces’ assignment - to preserve order and peace - is an unsubstantiated one convoluted by innumerable factors that appear exceptional to all situations officers have to manage, whether controlling a commotion or arresting suspects. In this case, the officers every so often are obliged to make use of force throughout their responsibilities, whether throughout an arrest or protecting the public, themselvesRead MoreThe Underage Drinking Crisis in America Essay1030 Words   |  5 Pageswere on the scene. Shots fired from an unknown source, police used mace, and the whole scene was chaos. Police wrote up many MIP’s, or minor in possession tickets (Clifton). In January 2014, a sixth grade teacher from St. Joseph, Missouri, reportedly hosted an underage drinking party at her residence. After police received two calls complaining of an underage drinking party, they went out to investigate. Upon arriving at the residence, police overheard people talking, and the after peering in a windowRead MoreNarrow Views On The United States939 Words   |  4 Pagessolution. Many people have different ideas of what constitutes Racial Profiling but, According to Jody Feder, in â€Å"Racial Profiling: Legal and Constitutional Issues,† â€Å" Racial profiling is the practice of targeting individuals for police or security detention based on their race or ethnicity in the belief that certain minority groups are more likely to engage in unlawful behavior†(4). The belief that certain appearances in people arouse suspicion of a crime about to happen creates the opportunity to treatRead MoreFinal Exam Fact Sheet Essay1041 Words   |  5 Pagescontributing to feelings of mutual respect among police, and contributing to the professional image of law enforcement. * Police legal duties can arise from many sources, including laws, customs, court decisions, and agency policies * A police officer cannot add to his or her list of probable cause used to make an arrest after effecting the arrest. * The Ecoterrorist group is responsible for the majority of terrorist acts committed in the U.S. * Factors that have led to reductions in illegal