Running head: POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

Police Brutality and Racism

Name
Institution

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

Police Brutality and Racism

Introduction
Many instances have been reported where police are accused of treating suspects of
crimes with regards to the races. The treatment offered to individuals varies considerably
depending on the race. More often than not, a specific race receives unfair treatment from law
enforcers compared to the treatment offered to those with a similar crime but from a different
race. Although people from different races may be found with the same mistake, the nature of
punishment awarded occasionally varies depending on the suspect's race. Many complaints of
brutality from the police are launched on a daily basis, which indicates the widespread of racerelated brutality. Since all citizens are subjected to the same law of the land, it is their
constitutional right to receive equal and fair treatment from the police force when suspected of
any criminal offense. However, police officers constantly base treatment on an individual's race,
which violates suspect's constitutional right. Due to the high number of cases reported
concerning race-related instances of police brutality, we sought to investigate public opinion to
find out their views regarding the same.
Purpose of the Study
The research was conducted to seek public address in regards to race oriented brutality by
police officers. The researcher utilized an experimental approach to study to collect the most
relevant information relating to the subject matter. Since the goal was to determine the extent of
brutality accorded to individuals because due to their race, an experimental approach is
appropriate in determining the desired variables to be applied in the research. As such, using
primary data collected directly from the field provides the researcher with the most appropriate
information to be used in drawing inferences.

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

Study Population
The study aimed at investigating the spread of race-based brutality by police across
America. Since it is impossible to study the entire population to identify the existence of the
problem, the study narrowed down to a small sample of Lynn University Students whose ideas
were believed to represent opinions of the general public. In this essence, a sample of 25
individuals, male, and female of ages above 17 were considered for the study. Those below the
specified age were considered unsuitable for the investigation since they are favored by the law
in the case of wrong doing. Those selected to take part in the study were provided with written
questionnaires through which they aired their opinions concerning the topic of investigation.

Methodology
The researcher utilized questionnaires as the primary method of data collection. Selected
students in the University provided with the questionnaire that contained questions designed to
gather relevant information about cases of police brutality emanating from racial viewpoints. The
questionnaires were distributed among respondents in person, filed and collected for analysis.
The method was considered because of its provision for collecting information from a large
group of respondents within a short period. By reducing the time taken for data collection and
presentation of findings, validity is guaranteed since possibilities of changes in conditions are
limited.

To ease analysis, the researcher made use of structured questions that required
respondents to make a selection between options provided. Open-ended questions were avoided
to eliminate instances of bias on the respondent's side. Furthermore, having closed questions

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

makes it possible for the researcher to apply quantitative analysis, which presents the most
accurate results as compared to generalizations for qualitative data.
Variables of Study
The researcher banked on collecting suitable information to help in decision-making in
regards to the case of race-base police brutality. Each respondent was required to provide their
opinion of whether or not police brutalism in the United States can be linked the victim's race.
Respondents were also required to state their age, which is important in the determination of the
most affected age group. Similarly, provisions for the respondent's gender enabled the researcher
to determine the most affected race while other variables such as ethnicity and place of origin
enabled determination of the most affected ethnic group and race respectively. The types of
variables under investigation capture enough information to help the researcher make inferences
concerning the subject under investigation.

Research Findings
After collection of filled questionnaires from the field, responses were coded and
presented in statistical tables from which several numerous statistical graphs were drawn to aid
in making inferences. Date presented was presented as shown below:
1. What is your opinion on police brutality linked to racism in the United States?
Response
Never
Sometimes
Often
Always

Frequency
3
3
13
6

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Never

Sometimes

Often

Always

When asked about their opinion on whether brutality in the United States can be linked to
racism, a larger number of respondents agreed with the fact. Thirteen out of the 25e students
interviewed gave 'often' as their opinion on the frequency of police brutalism being linked to
racism. Six of agreed that the vice occurred always. However, there was a time for those
claiming that it sometimes occurred and never occurred. Each of the two categories had three
respondents voting for the selection. Bar graphs are the best presentation of the above data. It is
easier to tell the trend existing in the variables at the glance of an eye.
2.
Age
Age Bracket
Frequency
17-20
14
21-21
8
26+
3
The sample comprised of students of ages ranging between seventeen and twenty years. Since
the target population was students attending school at Lynn University, occurrences of extreme
cases was minimal. The data is best presented in a statistical table.
3. Gender
Gender
Male

Frequency
14

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

Female

6
13

Frequency

Male
Female

The sample was well spread between the two genders. It is a good representation of the
total American population. A doughnut chart is used to indicate the high number of male
participants in the research.
4. Whether police brutality is a problem in the United States

Opinion
Yes a big problem
Yes but not a big problem
Not really
Not at all

Frequency
15
6
4
0

Yes a big problem

Yes but not a big
problem
Not really
Not at all

A higher number of those interviewed agreed that cases of police brutality along
racial lines presented a big problem to the society. None of those interviewed had no concern
with the issue under investigation. There was a small difference in the frequency of those having

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

'not really' and 'yes but not a big problem' as responses.

5. Ethnicity
Ethnicity
White
African American
Latino
Other

Frequency
14
4
4
3

Other
Latino
African American
White
0

10

12

14

16

Many students interviewed had originated from the white ethnicity. A total of fourteen out
of the 25 students participating in the study were affiliated to the white ethnicity. The next
highest frequency constituted a tie between African American and Latino students with a
representation of 4 respondents.

Opinio
n
Men
Women
Total

Never

Sometimes

Often

Always

3
0
3

1
3
4

7
5
12

2
4
6

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

14
12
10
8
Women
6

Men

4
2
0
Never

Sometimes

Often

Always

Line graphs indicate often as the most occurring response for botyh genders.
6. Place of Origin
Region
US
Canada
South America
Other

Frequency
17
0
4
4

Many students participating in the research had originated from the United States. A
higher number of 17 out of the sample interviewed had the US as their region. The remaining
portion was drawn from South America and other regions of the world.
Correlation Analysis
The researcher performed a correlation analysis between the numbers of people relating
police brutalities to race discrepancies in the United States. The coefficient of correlation
provides the researcher with knowledge concerning the relationship between police brutality and
racism. An analysis was performed in Excel software and results are as presented below.

Table of Values
Y(dependent

Opinion

POLICE BRUTALITY AND RACISM

variable)
0
1
2
3
Column 1
Column 2

3
3
13
6
Column 1
1
0.520012

Column 2
1

After running a correlation analysis on findings, it can be observed that there is a fairly
positive correlation of 0.52002 between respondent's opinions in regards to the existence of
police brutality about race. A positive correlation is an indication of a relationship between the
two variables. Therefore, basing our discussion on opinions from respondents in the study, it can
be concluded that there is a fair relationship between instances of police brutality and racial
discrimination in the United States.
Conclusion
Police officers are expected to treat all citizens equally as required by the law. However,
have been instances of brutalism along ethnic lines for police officers in the United States. The
study was conducted to investigate the legality of this statement. The researcher collected data
from a sample of students from Lynn University. Questionnaires were distributed, and selected
students required give responses on structured questions about the subject under investigation.
Analysis was done for the results and results presented in different statistical diagrams. A
correlation analysis confirmed the existence of a positive relationship between student's opinions
and racial discrimination by policemen. Therefore, authorities concerned have enough evidence
to hold accountable officers found guilty of the offense.