To read this content please select one of the options below:

Police Proactivity in an Era of Pandemic and Protest

Scott M. Mourtgos (University of Utah, US)

Ian T. Adams (University of South Carolina, US)

Crime and Social Control in Pandemic Times

ISBN: 978-1-80382-280-8, eISBN: 978-1-80382-279-2

Publication date: 6 April 2023

Abstract

Purpose – We investigate the impact of overlapping crises of COVID-19 and the George Floyd protests on one major US police department, focusing on staffing and officer proactivity.

Methodology/Approach – The study investigates the impact of the two crises on operational capacity. Using Bayesian interrupted time-series analysis, the authors investigate if officer proactivity levels were adversely impacted in the short and long terms.

Findings – A statewide stay-at-home order (SAHO) was associated with a sharp decline in proactive contacts, but that effect dissipated quickly. However, the Floyd protests were associated with a sharp decline in proactivity, which persisted throughout the study period.

Originality/Value – The findings of this study contribute to ongoing research agendas that seek to understand the impact of dual, overlapping crises on US police departments and the communities they serve. The authors demonstrate a methodological approach capable of disentangling both crises’ effects on police activity levels.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the men and women of law enforcement for their selfless and sustained service since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and throughout a challenging period of service.

Citation

Mourtgos, S.M. and Adams, I.T. (2023), "Police Proactivity in an Era of Pandemic and Protest", Deflem, M. (Ed.) Crime and Social Control in Pandemic Times (Sociology of Crime, Law and Deviance, Vol. 28), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 207-224. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1521-613620230000028014

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited