A History of Distrust: How Knowing the Law Impacts African American Males\u27 Perceptions of Police Encounters

From its inception American Law Enforcement was built from a racially motivated system in which African Americans were subject to discriminatory treatment. Unfortunately, that treatment still persists in modern day policing, which is highlighted by the deaths of Eric Garner and George Floyd to name a few. There is no surprise that law enforcement needs to improve trust with the African American community; however there is a dire need for a new approach. This study is unique because unlike previous research this study focuses solely on African American males that reside in disenfranchised communities that are most at risk for experiencing negative encounters with law enforcement. The overall purpose of this mixed-methods action research study was to enhance participants’ knowledge of Texas law. The primary research questions are: (1) How does knowing law impact perceptions of police-civilian encounters on the part of African American males? and (2) how do participant responses change by taking part in an educational session about the law? The research study included 43 Black males between the ages of 18 to 35 years of age from predominantly Black communities within the metro Houston, Texas area. The study consisted of pre- and post-perception surveys and educational tests, videos of police and civilian encounters, educational interventions and focus group discussions. Research findings suggest that an educational intervention did significantly shift participants\u27 perceptions regarding police-civilian encounters in a positive direction. However, participant responses suggest that knowing the law brings police conduct into question; and indeed, knowing the law seemed to result in research participants trusting police even less. Law enforcement agencies can use this action research study to improve relationships with the African American community. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA: Antioch University Repository and Archive, (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center, (https://etd.ohiolink.edu)