No abstract

Studies have repeatedly shown that members of minority groups are likely to hold less favorable perceptions of the police than their white counterparts. Relying on a unique sample of nearly 70 Hispanic immigrants, this study expands current knowledge on correlates of Hispanics' perceptions of police. Overall, findings of this study indicate Hispanic immigrants of Mexican descent generally hold favorable views of the police. Results also suggest, however, that those who came to the US through illegal channels are significantly less likely to hold positive perceptions of police than those who relocated through legal channels. Furthermore, a preliminary analysis to assess the level of understanding that Hispanic immigrants have of police, including their role and function in American society, was conducted. Findings indicate there is a high level of misunderstanding concerning police services among this population. Based on our results, we discuss policy implications and future directions for research.

Urban poverty is a social phenomenon in the United States that is associated with many forms of social ills. As rapid social change swept across the country in the 1970s, minorities became particularly vulnerable to the economic and demographic forces that transformed the inner city. Technological advances, the suburbanization of blue‐collar employment, and the shift from goods‐producing to service‐producing industries significantly reduced the job opportunities for unskilled minorities. These changes led to high levels of unemployment. Coupled with residential segregation and discriminatory social practices, these phenomena raise barriers in the path of black social mobility, which works to create an urban underclass.