Policing in an Era of Sousveillance: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Influence of Video Footage on Perceptions of Legitimacy

Problem

The problem the study aimed to address: 

The study sought to understand how public perceptions of police legitimacy are influenced by sousveillance—publicly shared video footage of police-citizen interactions. This addresses a gap in understanding the impact of media, particularly in the form of social media-shared videos, on police legitimacy and procedural justice.

General impact on the system and/or public: 

Negative video portrayals of police interactions can severely erode public trust, while positive or neutral videos have the potential to enhance perceptions of police legitimacy. This dynamic has significant implications for public-police relations, policy-making, and law enforcement accountability.

Research Questions:

1. Does exposure to video footage of police-citizen interactions alter perceptions of police legitimacy?
2. How do different types of video content (positive, negative, neutral) influence these perceptions?
    

Method and Analysis

Program Evaluated/Gaps Addressed: 

The research evaluated the impact of sousveillance on public perceptions of police legitimacy and procedural justice, addressing gaps in understanding the role of social media videos in shaping these perceptions.
 

Data and Sample Size: 

• Sample size: 173 participants
• Participants were randomly assigned to view five videos categorized as positive, neutral, or negative depictions of police interactions.
   

Analysis Used:

• The study utilized a pre- and post-test experimental design. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, ANOVAs, and multivariate regressions to assess the changes in perceptions of police legitimacy and its antecedents.
   

Outcome

Key Findings:

• Negative videos had the strongest impact, significantly reducing perceptions of police legitimacy and procedural justice.
• Positive and neutral videos improved perceptions of police legitimacy, albeit to a lesser degree than the negative videos' impact.
• Changes in perceptions of distributive fairness and police performance were significant predictors of changes in police legitimacy.
   

Implications or Recommendations: 

1. Negative portrayals on social media pose challenges to public-police trust and highlight the necessity for reform and transparency in law enforcement.
2. Police departments should consider proactive use of social media to share positive and procedurally just videos to enhance public perceptions.
3. Future policies should incorporate strategies for managing the effects of sousveillance on police legitimacy and public relations.

This study highlights the dual-edged impact of sousveillance and the importance of understanding its role in modern policing dynamics.