Social Distance Between Minority Youth and the Police: An Exploratory Analysis of the TAPS Academy

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

Winter 3-2015

Abstract

Research has consistently shown that minority youth harbor more negative feelings toward the criminal justice system and are more likely to express negative perceptions of the police than non-minority youth. These negative perceptions are often the result of weak social bonds that reflect great social distance between minority youth and the police. In order to reduce social distance between minority youth and the police, the Teen and Police Service (TAPS) Academy was established in 2011. This study explores the effectiveness of the TAPS Academy. Pre-test and post-test data measuring social distance were collected from a group of Hispanic/Latino and African American youth engaged in the TAPS Academy. Results from the study provide support for the effectiveness of the TAPS Academy in reducing social distance between minority youth and the police. Important implications and directions for future research are also discussed.

College/Unit

College of Health and Public Administration

Publication or Event Title

Journal of Juvenile Justice

Volume

4

Issue

1

First Page

30

Last Page

43

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