Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 African American Law Enforcers’ Perceptions About Crime in Minority Communities Shantae Coppock Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the African American Studies Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Shantae' Coppock has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Carolyn Dennis, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Michael Klemp-North, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Victor Ferreros, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract African American Law Enforcers’ Perceptions About Crime in Minority Communities by Shantae’ Coppock MPhil, Walden University, 2020 MHS, Lincoln University, 2012 BS, Lincoln University, 2010 Dissertation in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration with a Specialization in Criminal Justice Walden University November 2020 Abstract There is a problem with law enforcement and the African American community in the United States, and African American law enforcement employees perpetuate more tension in these communities. The aim of this qualitative study was to learn how African American law enforcement personnel perceived high-crime or poor urban communities and the bond shared among law enforcement agencies, as seen through African American supervisors’ viewpoints. Twelve African American law enforcement supervisors from a Philadelphia County law enforcement agency completed questionnaires. Bureaucratic representation and the racial threat or minority threat framework grounded the study. Participants were evaluated based on supervisory level or quasi-military rank. African American supervisors were essential to this research because they understand organizational experiences and had faced racial threat experiences in their communities. The findings indicated that the most important reasons that African American law enforcers’ presence perpetuated tension in urban neighborhoods was due to community members’ past negative encounters with law enforcement and the belief that African American law enforcers work with the enemy. Another important reason on the impact of the organizational bond shared by employees has had on racial misconceptions of African Americans is due to a lack of trust with personnel. The findings of this study may be used to promote social change by police administrators to better serve their communities. African American Law Enforcers’ Perceptions About Crime in Minority Communities by Shantae’ Coppock MPhil, Walden University, 2020 MHS, Lincoln University, 2012 BS, Lincoln University, 2010 Dissertation in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration with a Specialization in Criminal Justice Walden University November 2020 Dedication Thank you, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This journey has been challenging, but I am grateful for the support of many people. First, this dedication goes to my late husband, Len Coppock, who helped build confidence and inspire three beautiful daughters. Laija, as my first daughter, you inspire me to remain competitive and truthful. La’Joir, as my second daughter, you inspire me to be accurate and make intelligent decisions. Le’Dream, as my last daughter, you inspire me to love others and remain unorthodox. To my sister, Amina, you encouraged looking at a cup half full rather than half empty. To my brother, Tarik, and his wife, Sonya, thank you for your love and example of togetherness. To the best role models a little girl could ever have, Mom and Dad. You two are amazing, and I pray that I continue to bring honor to your name. Lastly, thanks to my special friend, Mr. Frank, for your constant support, love, and appreciation. Acknowledgments My Walden University dream team has helped me to complete this task. Thank you to my chair, Dr. Carolyn B. Dennis; committee member, Dr. Mike Klemp-North; and my academic advisors, Binh Ngo and Megan Herrley, for your constant support. Thank you for your guidance because, without you, I could not have completed this massive goal. I appreciate you, Dr. Jones, and the Philadelphia County law enforcement agency’s elected official and personnel. Special thanks to all who are not mentioned by name for your support and encouragement. Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Problem in Policing ............................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................1 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................6 Significance of the Study ...............................................................................................8 Background of the Study .............................................................................................10 Framework ...................................................................................................................20 Research Questions ......................................................................................................21 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................22 Possible Types and Sources of Data ............................................................................26 Definitions of Terms ....................................................................................................27 Limitations ...................................................................................................................28 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................30 Problem With Law Enforcement .................................................................................30 The System...................................................................................................................39 Law Enforcement Pioneers ..........................................................................................42 Characteristics of African American Law Enforcers ...................................................49 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................59 Summary ......................................................................................................................74 Chapter 3: Research Method ..............................................................................................79 Methodology ................................................................................................................79 i Description of Methodology Selected/Research Design and Rationale ............... 80 Design of the Study/Data Analysis Plan ............................................................... 81 Sample and Population ................................................................................................89 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................91 Institutional Review Board ..........................................................................................92 Data Collection ............................................................................................................94 Confidentiality of Data/Participant Selection Logic ....................................................96 Validity and Trustworthiness of Study/Instrumentation/Pilot Study ...........................97 Credibility ....................................................................................................................98 Transferability ..............................................................................................................98 Dependability/Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection .........98 Confirmability ..............................................................................................................99 Assumptions and Limitations of Bureaucratic Representation Theory .......................99 The Research Instrument ...........................................................................................100 Ethical Procedures .....................................................................................................100 Summary ....................................................................................................................101