Envisioning possibilities for the future of local policing: Suggestions on law enforcement policy by two vulnerable groups

Abstract

While there is much research in the social science fields regarding perceptions of police involvement, lacking is research that focuses on what participants in impoverished Black and Undocumented Central and Mexican American communities. This study examined desired outcomes for the future of law enforcement from above subsets of adult participants in the Bronx, NY, where public transportation is accessed, and political atmosphere is progressive, and Homestead, Fl, where driving is the prominent source of transportation, and government policy is conservative. This study explored answers to the following questions: what are suggestions for the future of policing across low-income Black and Undocumented Mexican and Central-American communities and how do such suggestions relate to participants’ perceived political efficacy, transportation options, and demographics? ¶ A concurrent, triangulation mixed-methods design in a transformative framework was utilized. Qualitative data was collected followed by interview questions, within the same phase of research to enhance understanding of quantitative findings (Creswell & Clark, 2011). Further, transformative studies are inherently rooted in purpose, in an aim to further social justice, and with a special focus on cultural nuances (2011). ¶ Results showed that participants overwhelmingly asked for change in policing despite demographic differences and differing perceived political efficacy. Several qualitative themes emerged across groups; equal commitment and accountability to all, more community-oriented policing and the reference to one model police officer, better background checks and hiring practices, mandatory training and mental health care for police officers, reallocation of funding for youth and community programs, and respect and compassion.