Improving Policing in a Multiracial Society in the United States: A New Approach

Michael D. Schlosser, Sundiata Cha-Jua, Maria J. Valgoi, Helen A. Neville

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America

Abstract:

Researchers at the University of Illinois a newly implemented "diversity education" program (Policing in a Multiracial Society Project) at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute which is designed to promote fair and equitable policing practice. The program emphasizes increasing racial literacy and cultural empathy. The research team has adopted a tripartite model of cultural competencies to frame the educational program. The objectives of the PMSP are thus to increase officers' (a) awareness of their own social identities and racial beliefs; (b) knowledge about theory and research related to police misconduct and the socio-historical experiences of racial minority communities, especially with police and the criminal justice system; and (c) efficacy to apply the communication and basic policing skills learned at the Police Training Institute in a culturally informed way. The program was implemented with two cohort groups and is in the process of refining the educational modules for a third cohort group. The evaluative data collected throughout the process has been instructive in terms of refining educational processes and activities. The team received a wide-range of feedback on the program including pre- and post-program survey data, module evaluation data, and focus group discussions with veteran police officers, police recruits, and community members.

Keyword:

Policing, Multi Racial, PMSP, Awareness.