An approach to problems in police-community relations

Abstract

Citizens provided descriptive accounts of recent interactions with a policeman. The policeman's behavior was rated on 66 bipolar adjectives to provide the basis for a cluster analysis forming a hierarchical ordering of the incidents. Positive evaluations of the police were due to efficient police service even if a ticket were issued or other regulatory action taken. Negative evaluations were due to a failure to exercise appropriate police functions or insensitive behavior. The incidents provided the basis for identifying areas of conflict between police and citizens on what are considered to be appropriate police roles and functions.