Citation

Sandrin R, Simpson R, Gaub JE. J. Exp. Criminol. 2023; 19(4): 1021-1031.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11292-022-09516-y

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

To experimentally examine public perceptions of police canine units.
Methods

As part of the between-subjects paradigm, participants were randomly assigned to view and rate an image of a police officer either with a police dog (i.e., as a police canine unit) or alone on eight dimensions: aggression, approachability, fairness, friendliness, intimidation, professionalism, respectfulness, and trustworthiness.
Results

The analyses reveal that the officer was perceived more negatively when presented with a police dog than when presented alone.
Conclusions

Police dogs play a multifaceted role in policing, including in crime control and public relations. In addition to their many functions, police canine units can also elicit many perceptual effects.

Language: en

Keywords

Canines; Dogs; Experimental criminology; K9s; Perception; Police canine units; Policing; Specialty units