The Big Picture

Racial bias and discrimination in the criminal justice system have been under the spotlight, especially with the controversial deaths of minorities involving police officers. However, the perceptions of criminal justice students, who are the future of law enforcement, haven’t received the same attention. This study explores how these students perceive and are sensitive to racism and discrimination, which could influence their future roles within the system.
What We Did

Researchers conducted a survey with 324 criminal justice students at a Southwestern University. The survey measured their perceptions and sensitivity to racism using the Institutional Racism Scale. The study aimed to identify differences based on gender and race, providing insights into how future criminal justice professionals view racial issues.

1

Lower Perceptions of Racism Among Males and White Students:

Male students and White students were more likely to have lower perceptions of racism compared to their female and non-White counterparts.

2

Sensitivity to Racism Varies:

White male students showed the lowest sensitivity to racism. Sensitivity levels were higher among non-White female students compared to White males.

3

Gender and Race Differences:

White male students’ perceptions of racism were significantly lower than those of White female and non-White students, indicating a potential gap in understanding or acknowledging discriminatory practices.

The findings suggest that criminal justice students’ perceptions of racism may influence their future interactions with minorities. These perceptions could affect how they approach issues of racial bias and discrimination in their professional roles, potentially perpetuating negative outcomes for minority communities.

To address these gaps in perception and sensitivity:

1

Integrate comprehensive diversity and bias training within criminal justice curricula.

2

Encourage dialogue and experiential learning to foster a deeper understanding of racial issues.

3

Promote inclusive and culturally responsive teaching practices to enhance awareness and empathy among students.

About the Study

This study provides a benchmark for understanding the racial attitudes of future criminal justice professionals and highlights the importance of addressing these issues early in their educational journey. The full APA citation is: Jackson, R. D., & Henderson, H. (2019). Criminal Justice Students’ Perceptions and Awareness of Racism and Discrimination. Race and Justice, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1177/2153368719873024