Systematic Spatial Variations in Attitudes Toward Police Actions

Abstract

From June 1973 to August 1974 a survey was conducted to identify sociospatial similarities and differences in public perception of police actions. A geographically stratified samples of 2,000 respondents within Summit County, OH evaluated police actions on 10 key issues. Analytical results by socio-economic and demographic characterists showed distinctly systematic variations in attitudes. Confidence in the police increased with increasing age, income, and education. Whites demonstrated more confidence in the police than blacks, and men more than women. A spatial comparison of these systematic differences indicated a pattern which could be compared to the overall social ecology of the study area. Policy recommendations for the improvement of police-community relations based on these findings were made.