Date of Award

5-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Heather Crandall

Second Advisor

Dr. David Givens

Abstract

What is the relationship between educating police officers in African American history and culture and the development of empathy and accommodative communication during interactions? This question is important to study because history and culture define African-American mistrust in general and specific mistrust of law enforcement in the United States. “Studies consistently show minority group members are more distrustful and less confident in the police and courts” (Tyler, 2001, p. 217). African-American perceptions are shaped by historical experiences and as a result Blacks believe they are treated differently because of race. All police officers, regardless of their race or gender, because of their occupation maintain an attitude of suspicion, hyper vigilance and distrust, which can lead to hostility during interactions between the two groups. The Communication Accommodation Theory (CAT) suggests communication indicates one’s attitude towards another. CAT also suggests communication is not only influenced by the dynamics of the immediate situation but also by a social-historical context. It is possible that educating police officers about historical and cultural experiences of Blacks could lead to the development of empathy. Empathy is necessary for one to adopt a more accommodating communicative style. A pre- and post- intervention test will be conducted to measure the development of empathy in police officers. Research by Myers, Giles, Reid and Nabi (2008) suggest that accommodating police officers exhibit more sensitivity and empathy during interactions. Accommodating results in the officer being perceived as competent and trustworthy and insures cooperation. This result is important to citizens, police officers and their administrations because citizens would feel respected and have a more positive perception of police and their departments, resulting in cooperation needed to reduce crime.

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