Centro de Documentação da PJ
Analítico de Periódico
CD341
Procedurally just policing and persons in behavioral crises [Recurso eletrónico] : investigating public perceptions, stigma and emotion / Sean Patrick Roche
Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 47, n. 1 (2024), p. 126-142
Ficheiro de 1,5 MB em formato PDF.
DOENÇA MENTAL, TOXICODEPENDÊNCIA, ORDEM PÚBLICA, ACTUAÇÃO POLICIAL, OPINIÃO PÚBLICA
Purpose – The police often respond to persons who are not in direct violation of the law, but are rather undergoing behavioral crises due to mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The purpose of this study is to examine how police behavior influences civilian bystanders’ emotional responses and perceptions of procedural justice (PPJ) when officers interact with these populations, which traditionally have been stigmatized in American culture. Design/methodology/approach – Using a factorial vignette approach, the authors investigate whether perceived public stigma moderates the relationship between police behaviors (i.e. CIT tactics, use of force) and PPJ. The authors also investigate whether emotional reactions mediate the relationship between police behaviors and PPJ. Findings – Regardless of suspect population (mental illness, substance use), use of force decreased participants’ PPJ, and use of CIT tactics increased PPJ. These effects were consistently mediated by anger, but not by fear. Interactive effects of police behavior and perceived public stigma on PPJ were mixed. Originality/value – Fear and anger may operate differently as antecedents to PPJ. Officers should note using force on persons in behavioral crisis, even if legally justifiable, seems to decrease PPJ. They should weigh this cost pragmatically, alongside other circumstances, when making discretionary decisions about physically engaging with a person in crisis.
