Date of Award
Fall 12-19-2024
Document Type
Thesis (699 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Lee Garth Vigilant
Keywords
Police Legitimacy, Minority Communities, Cultural Influences
Abstract
This thesis explores the cultural and societal influences that shape perceptions of police legitimacy and trust in law enforcement among minority communities in the United States, with a focus on Black and Latino populations. Grounded in both personal experience and scholarly analysis, the research examines how historical injustices, economic restructuring, demographic transitions, and modern policing practices intersect to affect community-police relations. Through a comprehensive literature review, this study analyzes key works on community policing in South Los Angeles, the deployment of less-lethal weapons, body-worn camera implementation, youth engagement programs, and community-driven violence prevention efforts. Findings reveal that systemic inequities and racially coded policing strategies continue to undermine trust and reinforce existing social hierarchies. The study also highlights the potential of alternative policing methods—when ethically and transparently applied—to foster procedural justice and public confidence. By synthesizing these diverse perspectives, the thesis underscores the urgent need for transformative, equity-centered policing practices that respect and reflect the realities of marginalized communities. This research contributes to a broader call for structural reform aimed at restoring legitimacy and building sustainable trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Recommended Citation
Fry Sandoval, Carmen A., "Cultural and Societal Influences on Perceptions of Police Legitimacy and Trust in Law Enforcement Among Minority Communities" (2024). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1043.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1043
