Police decision-making following an accusation of racial profiling: A qualitative case study

This study presents the findings revealed because of the lack of empirical research exploring police perceptions of informal accusations of racial profiling. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive single case study focused on exploring police decision-making following an informal accusation of racial profiling, in which no litigation occurred, during a police-motorist interaction. The purpose of this study included exploring police recommendations of what guidelines are necessary to reduce accusations of racial profiling. This study used a descriptive framework to explore accusations of racial profiling, feelings, perceptions, training, and leadership. Face-to-face and Skype® semi-structured interviews used a purposeful and convenience approach. Eighteen police volunteers were selected for this study. Six themes emerged based on the participant’s perceptions and experiences regarding informal accusations, responses to accusations, and police recommendations. The themes were focus on completing the task, responding professionally, fairness and respect, education, community interactions to change misperceptions, and perceptions of racial profiling. The participants advised communications between police and the community they serve is essential for reducing accusations. Implications for leadership to consider based on this study are a need for a comprehensive approach for how to interact within the community they serve, how to ensure personnel are not intentionally engaging in racial profiling, and to correct personnel actions that do not follow departmental rules. Recommendations included police-community interactions, open-forums, and better communications to allow police to explain behaviors before the media intensifying accusations