Exploring law enforcement’s views of de-policing: a vignette research design

ABSTRACT There is an assumption that the police work environment, which now includes cell phone videos, social media posts, and heightened media attention, is causing police officers to avoid activity that risks exposing them to negative publicity. Commonly referred to as ‘de-policing’ or ‘the Ferguson effect,” officers are assumed to be retreating from proactive law enforcement tactics. In order to uncover the views of law enforcement, police personnel from New York and Texas responded to an online survey that included a vignette. The scenario described several conditions that might impact an officer’s decision-making, and a final decision by the officer in the vignette. The findings suggest two somewhat contradictory views of law enforcement personnel with respect to de-policing. First, respondents clearly disagree with an officer’s decision to simply avoid a suspicious incident. Second, police officers may also be framing their decisions based on a potential threat to their career. Implications for law enforcement leaders are also discussed.