1. 1
Panel 2, Position 1
Jack D. Ripper

2. 2
Article title: “Accounting for Variation in Distrust of Local Police”
Justice Quarterly (26:1, March 2009)
Authors: Elaine B. Sharp; Paul E. Johnson, both from the University of Kansas
Research question: Past studies consistently indicate that Black persons disproportionately distrust the police. Is this true, and if so, why?

3. 3
“Disproportionate distrust” of the police means that Blacks and other minorities have less confidence in police than Whites.
This is especially critical in minority communities, where it can destroy the relationship between police and the public.
If people don’t voluntarily comply, policing becomes even more difficult and dangerous. Even law-abiding persons may not cooperate, and the resulting disorder can tear a community apart.

4. 4 Literature review - findings from prior research
Historically, there are major racial gaps in satisfaction with government and, especially, the police
Race is best predictor of differences in attitude about the police
Blacks, Hispanics and younger minority members are much less satisfied than Whites
Blacks and Hispanics are more likely than Whites to report having negative interactions with police

5. 5 Factors that affect trust in police
Age: younger persons often have less trust. 
Political alienation: Minority citizens often feel powerless to make things change. Their hopelessness can break the bonds between them and the police.
Quality of life: Persons living in poor and disorderly areas tend to distrust the police. Frequent negative interactions with officers create a cycle of distrust that neither citizens nor officers can shake.

6. 6
City-level factors: Citizen opinions about police conduct such as excessive use of force, the presence of community policing and civilian review boards, the proportion of minority officers in a police force, and the race/ethnicity of the chief and his/her managers.