Is There a Problem Officer? Exploring the Lived Experience of Black Men and Their Relationship with Law Enforcement

Abstract

A study was conducted with the aim of identifying themes about the lived experiences of Black men in relation to law enforcement. An all-black male focus group was engaged in discussions on the topic “Do Black Lives Matter” at an annual conference on counseling racial and ethnic minorities. The group participants consisted of counselors, counselor educators, undergraduate students, graduate students, and a law enforcement representative. Data from the discussion were qualitatively analyzed to identify themes and to give voice to Black male experiences. This paper presents findings regarding these themes (anger, fear, training/re-education) based on the group discussion and group process observations as well as indications on how the findings can be used toward action and change.