Ghanaian Immigrants’ Experiences With and Perceptions of U.S. Police

Abstract

Focus groups help researchers obtain rich, experiential data in order to increase our sociological and psychological understanding of human interactions. In this study, I used qualitative data obtained from two focus groups, comprising 13 participants from the Ghanaian community, to understand Ghanaian immigrants’ personal experiences with and perceptions of the police in the United States. The rise in immigration from sub-Saharan Africa means that these immigrants’ views of and experiences with the police will become increasingly important to successful policing in local communities across the United States. The results of this study point to the need for U.S. police to employ procedural justice and distributive justice in their dealings with Ghanaian immigrants. These immigrants also believe that both their skin color and foreign accent pose a disadvantage when dealing with police. By addressing these concerns, the U.S. police would gain the trust and cooperation of the Ghanaian immigrant community. The policy implications of the findings are discussed.