Does police department diversity affect police conflict in the community?
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Summary
5 papers analyzed
Some studies suggest that increasing diversity in police forces leads to fewer stops, arrests, and use of force, particularly against Black civilians, while other studies indicate that diverse police departments do not significantly lower police-caused homicides but may support the conflict and community violence propositions.
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Introduction
The relationship between police department diversity and police conflict in the community is a critical area of study, especially in light of ongoing concerns about police violence and community relations. This synthesis examines whether increasing diversity within police departments can reduce conflicts and improve interactions between police and the communities they serve.
Key Insights
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Diversity and Use of Force:
- Black and Hispanic officers make fewer stops and arrests and use less force compared to white officers, particularly in majority-Black neighborhoods.
- Female officers use less force than male officers across all racial groups.
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Impact on Police-Caused Homicides:
- More diversified police departments do not show significantly lower levels of police-caused homicides.
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Community Complaints and Representativeness:
- The racial makeup of police departments may reduce community complaints about police use of force, but community-level characteristics and context are more influential.
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Behavioral Differences in Conflict Resolution:
- Black officers are more coercive than white officers in handling conflicts but are also more likely to engage in supportive activities in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
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Perceptions of Diversity Among Prospective Officers:
- Prospective police officers, particularly Hispanic candidates, believe that diversity in policing can improve police-community relations and encourage cooperation from minority communities.
Conclusion
The research presents mixed findings on the impact of police department diversity on police conflict in the community. While some studies suggest that diversity can lead to fewer stops, arrests, and use of force, particularly in minority neighborhoods, other studies indicate that diversity alone does not significantly reduce police-caused homicides. Additionally, the representativeness of police departments may help reduce community complaints, but broader community characteristics play a more substantial role. Overall, while diversity in police forces has potential benefits, it is not a standalone solution to reducing police conflict in communities.
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