Police coercive actions and citizen complaints: a comparison of NYPD precincts

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the influence of police coercive actions during Stop, Question, and Frisk (SQF) encounters on citizen complaints of police misconduct in 76 precincts in New York City.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from NYPD's SQF reports, Citizen Complaint Review Board, and demographic measures, the analysis focuses on specific coercive actions (frisk, search, summons, physical force, and arrest) and their association with citizen complaints (excessive force, abuse of authority, discourtesy, and offensive language).

Findings

Bivariate and multivariate analyses revealed frequent lower-level coercive actions, such as frisks and summons, are linked to increased citizen complaints. Surprisingly, higher levels of coercive actions involving force and arrests do not substantially impact complaints, challenging conventional assumptions.

Practical implications

The research underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and positive police-community relations. Addressing precinct-specific characteristics influencing the relationship between coercive actions and citizen complaints is crucial for fostering a more constructive and accountable policing approach in New York City precincts.

Originality/value

This study challenges assumptions by providing a distinctive perspective on the impact of police coercive actions during SQF encounters on citizen complaints. The unexpected finding that higher levels of coercive actions, typically involving force and arrests, do not substantially impact complaints contributes to the discourse on police-community interactions, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship between specific coercive actions and citizen complaints.

Citation

Martin, A. (2024), "Police coercive actions and citizen complaints: a comparison of NYPD precincts", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 47 No. 6, pp. 1081-1094. https://doi.org/10.1108/PIJPSM-02-2024-0015