Citation

Cobbina-Dungy J, Chaudhuri S, LaCourse A, Dejong C. Criminol. Public Policy 2022; 21(1): 147-174.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, American Society of Criminology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1745-9133.12571

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Research summary: Using qualitative interviews, this study examines how protesters with varying levels of commitment to the Black Lives Matter movement perceive the slogan defund the police.

FINDINGS indicate while a small number had reservations regarding the term, the vast majority of protesters associate defunding as a two-step process that starts with reduction of police budgets, followed by reallocation of these resources toward much needed services in the very communities the departments serve.

FINDINGS also revealed prior engagement with the Black Lives Matter movement, and the level of commitment of participants did play an important role in being able to provide nuanced context to the call for action. Policy implications: Implementation of reduction of police budgets indicates a need to reimagine the role and function of police in most affected communities. In addition, there is a need to reinvest in local resources that would provide the much needed support toward marginalized communities. Further, social movement organizations should partner with corporate brands and advertising agencies to effectively promote their goals and slogans toward a diverse range of audience in media.

Language: en

Keywords

depolicing; qualitative research; race research