Representing Blue

Abstract

This study examines whether the presence of Latino police officers reduces the racial disparity in traffic stops in divisions in which they work. Specifically, the link between passive and active representation for ethnicity in the context of racial profiling is tested. This context allows one to examine this link within an organization that relies heavily on socialization. It is found that the presence of Latino police officers increases the racial disparity within the division in which they work. This finding seems to suggest that the pressure to “represent blue” weighs heavily on Latino officers and may affect their professional attitudes and behaviors.

Race and Gender Representation in Presidential Appointments, SES, and GS Levels, During Clinton, Bush, and Obama Administrations

“…Achieving higher numerical representation of female and racial minority groups does not directly lead to the active representation of their interests, which is essential to promote interests of underrepresented groups to and pursue policies that promote social and employment equality. A multitude of factors can help build the link between passive and active representation, such as bureaucrats’ gender (Keiser, Wilkins, Meier, & Holland, 2002; Kelly & Newman, 2001; Wilkins & Keiser, 2004), race (Meier & Stewart, 1992; Thompson, 1976; Wilkins & Williams, 2008, 2009), and socialization (Kelly & Newman, 2001), among others. Political ideology and party affiliation are such organizational factors (Bowling et al, 2006; Saidel & Loscocco, 2005); thus, studying the influence of shared political preferences and party ideologies, as it flows down from the senior federal positions to the lower levels, will help capture the reality of a representative bureaucracy within the limits of civil service system.…”

Representation through Lived Experience: Expanding Representative Bureaucracy Theory

“…In the behavioral healthcare system, we found that the link between passive and active representation on the basis of lived experience is neither inherent nor automatic. Managers of behavioral health facilities emphasized the importance of institutional and contextual factors that foster or impede the link between passive and active representation, factors also highlighted in existing research (Capers 2018;Keiser et al 2002;Riccucci & Meyers 2004;Watkins-Hayes 2011;Wilkins & Williams 2008;Wilkins & Williams 2009;Wilkins & Keiser 2004).…”

No Easy Answer: Representative Bureaucracy and Police Use of Force

“…7 Indeed, race is the most common demographic feature of representative bureaucracy scholarship and policing. 8 Researchers have used the theory to hypothesize that greater diversity within police agencies will lessen the strain with minority citizens because minority officers will have shared life experiences, and values as those being policed. 9 Calls for greater racial diversity in law enforcement are a familiar theme following popular protest directed at policing.…”