VOICES: a theory-driven intervention for improving relationships between police and the public

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a theory-driven intervention called VOICES that was developed to improve police-community relations. The intervention was designed based on principles derived from social psychological theories of intergroup contact and communication.Design/methodology/approachThe authors discuss the theoretical basis for the intervention, as well as its development and implementation in the Santa Barbara Police Department. Based on this pilot testing, the authors provide preliminary evidence about its effectiveness using survey responses and qualitative feedback provided by participants.FindingsAlthough the case study method used here does not allow for causal inferences about the effectiveness of the intervention, the limited evidence the authors present does suggest that participants found VOICES useful and it may have improved their perceptions of police. The next step will be to test this intervention using experimental or quasi-experimental methods that allow for causal inferences about effectiveness.Originality/valueThe paper shows how police can develop theory-driven interventions in an effort to improve trust between police and the public, including communities in which relationships with police have been historically strained. It also underscores how insights from the study of intergroup contact and communication can benefit policing.

Caught in the middle: Accommodative dilemmas in police–community relations.

“…The literature on intergroup contact interventions—in which groups in conflict with one another are brought together to engage in dialogue under very specific conditions—provides the best empirical research evidence for how to resolve intergroup tensions (Al Ramiah & Hewstone, 2013; Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006; Reimer et al, 2021). There is now an emerging body of research on the capacity of these interventions to improve relationships between police and a variety of groups, including racial and ethnic minorities (Hill et al, 2021; Nuño et al, 2023). Other types of interventions have also been tested and found effective in some studies, though not in a policing context.…”

Public Expressions of Empathy and Sympathy by U.S. Criminal Justice Officials After Controversial Police Killings of African-Americans

“…Indeed, training programs based on communication accommodation theory have proven successful across a range of beneficial outcomes in other arenas, including the management challenges faced by pharmacists and health workers (see Chevalier et al, 2020; Pines et al, 2021). Interventions based on theories of intergroup contact and communication may be especially useful for reducing tensions and improving trust between police and minority communities (Hill et al, 2021).…”

The police and those policed as intergroup par excellence: Current trends and future prospects

“…Many communication competence training programs focus heavily on interpersonal aspects of communication, whereas CAT training interventions also recognize the significance of the intergroup dynamics that often occur (see Pines et al, 2021). These intergroup dynamics are particularly salient during interactions between police and citizens (Hill et al, 2021).…”

“…Fourth, while the ingredients and design of interventions intended to enhance police–community relations could benefit from recent advances in intergroup contact theory (see, e.g., Paolini et al, 2021), police academies could also benefit from the inclusion of modules on intergroup theory more generally. Research shows that police academies tend to be a breeding ground for propagating particular cop cultures and mindsets (Hill & Giles, 2021; Prokos & Padavic, 2002). More generally, research from an intergroup perspective would be useful for understanding the occupational socialization of police officers and its impacts on the relationships between the police and those policed.…”