Is neighborhood context a confounder?: Exploring the effects of citizen race and neighborhood context on satisfaction with the police

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to examine individual-level and community-level models ofrncitizen satisfaction with the police with particular focus on the effects of citizen race and communityrncontext.rnDesign/methodology/approach - Using data collected in a 1997 telephone survey of citizens inrnCincinnati, Ohio, this study examines citizen satisfaction with the police with hierarchical linearrnmodeling techniques. The sample includes 614 surveys in 29 neighborhoods.rnFindings - Results show that citizen race becomes an insignificant factor when neighborhoodrncontext is examined simultaneously in the hierarchical model. In addition, prior negative contacts andrnperceived lower quality of life are strong factors reducing the level of citizen satisfaction.rnResearch limitations/implications - This study examines citizen satisfaction with the police inrnonly one city, and therefore, more research is needed to investigate the role of city context.rnPractical implications - There are a number of ways for police agencies to improve citizenrnsatisfaction. The results suggest that reducing unprofessional police conduct and improvingrnneighborhood conditions are effective strategies.rnOriginality/value - This study comprehensively examines different perspectives of citizenrnsatisfaction with the police in a hierarchical model. It adds empirical evidence to the issue of racerneffects on citizen satisfaction in different neighborhoods.