How systematic surveys can help cities to better understand community perceptions of police accountability

While there is considerable social science research demonstrating that minorities such as African, Latino, and Hispanic Americans are less likely to express trust and confidence in police than whites, there is far less evidence concerning community confidence in police oversight. Using a large community survey from a Western city as a case study, Joseph De Angelis argues that such surveys can help local policy makers to proactively identify community concerns about policing before high profile events – such as police shootings – occur, and to help build a case for organizational reform.