Racial Representation and Policing Outcomes
Background
Research on representative bureaucracy explores how racial congruence between public employees and the communities they serve affects decision-making. In policing, the evidence is mixed regarding whether representation alone changes outcomes such as use of force or arrests.
Purpose
This study investigates how racial congruence between police officers and civilians influences levels of force used and arrest decisions in New Orleans, accounting for situational factors that guide officer discretion.
Outcome
The findings reveal that the effects of representation depend on the type of decision. Black officers are less likely to use high levels of force on Black civilians, indicating active representation. However, both Black and White officers are less likely to arrest White civilians, suggesting that in situations with less discretion, such as arrests, representation has limited influence. These results highlight that while representation can shape outcomes, its impact varies by context and decision-making constraints.