Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
5
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore the intersection of Indigenous peoples and police by examining the dynamics of contact
and confidence between these two groups. The relationship between Indigenous communities and law enforcement
has been historically strained, marked by distrust and systemic issues. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach,
incorporating qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to gather data on the experiences, perceptions, and
confidence levels of both Indigenous individuals and police officers. The findings shed light on the nature of contact,
the factors influencing confidence, and the potential avenues for improving the relationship between Indigenous
peoples and police. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and informs
strategies for fostering positive and inclusive interactions between these two important stakeholders.
KEYWORDS
Indigenous peoples, police, contact, confidence, trust, relationships, community, perceptions, systemic issues,
reconciliation.
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between Indigenous peoples and
police has long been a topic of concern and scrutiny,
both in academic literature and public discourse.
Historically, this relationship has been characterized by
mistrust, discrimination, and systemic issues that have
contributed to the marginalization and mistreatment
Research Article
EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND POLICE:
EXAMINING CONTACT AND CONFIDENCE
Submission Date:
June 25, 2023,
Accepted Date:
June 30, 2023,
Published Date:
July 05, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijlc/Volume03Issue07-02
G. Brent Gorey
School of Social Work, University of Windsor, Canada
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijlc
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
6
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
of Indigenous communities. Understanding the
dynamics of contact and confidence between
Indigenous peoples and police is crucial for developing
strategies to address these challenges and foster
positive and inclusive relationships.
METHOD
This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to
explore the intersection of Indigenous peoples and
police, specifically focusing on the dimensions of
contact and confidence. The study combines
qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to
gather comprehensive data on the experiences,
perceptions, and confidence levels of both Indigenous
individuals and police officers.
Qualitative Interviews:
In-depth interviews are conducted with Indigenous
individuals and police officers. The interviews aim to
capture personal narratives, experiences, and
perspectives
regarding
interactions
between
Indigenous communities and law enforcement. These
interviews provide rich qualitative data that shed light
on the nature of contact, the challenges faced, and the
factors that influence confidence levels.
Quantitative Surveys:
Surveys are administered to a representative sample of
Indigenous individuals and police officers. The surveys
include
questions
that
assess
perceptions,
experiences, and confidence levels in the context of
interactions between Indigenous peoples and police.
The quantitative data obtained from the surveys allows
for a broader understanding of trends, patterns, and
variations in contact and confidence levels among the
participants.
The data collected from both the qualitative interviews
and quantitative surveys are analyzed using
appropriate
statistical
and
thematic
analysis
techniques. The qualitative data is analyzed through
thematic coding to identify recurring themes, patterns,
and key insights. The quantitative data is subjected to
statistical analysis to generate descriptive statistics,
identify correlations, and explore associations
between variables.
The
findings
from
the
analysis
provide
a
comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of
contact and confidence between Indigenous peoples
and police. They contribute to identifying the factors
that shape these relationships, uncovering systemic
issues that contribute to mistrust, and highlighting
potential avenues for improving the interactions and
building trust between Indigenous communities and
law enforcement agencies.
By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study
aims
to
provide
valuable
insights
and
recommendations for promoting positive and
respectful interactions between Indigenous peoples
and police, ultimately contributing to the reconciliation
efforts and fostering a more inclusive and just society.
RESULTS
The analysis of qualitative interviews and quantitative
surveys revealed important insights into the
intersection of Indigenous peoples and police,
specifically focusing on contact and confidence. The
findings indicate that the relationship between these
two groups is complex and influenced by various
factors.
Regarding contact, Indigenous individuals reported a
range of experiences, including both positive and
negative interactions with police. Positive contact was
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
7
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
–
2771-2214)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
Pages:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
6.
584
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
associated with respectful communication, cultural
sensitivity, and community engagement initiatives. On
the other hand, negative contact stemmed from
instances of racial profiling, discrimination, and
excessive use of force. Police officers also
acknowledged the need for improved training and
cultural competency to enhance their interactions with
Indigenous communities.
In terms of confidence, Indigenous individuals
expressed lower levels of trust and confidence in the
police compared to non-Indigenous individuals.
Factors such as historical trauma, systemic biases, and
ongoing issues of accountability and transparency
contribute to this lack of confidence. However, it was
noted that positive and respectful contact with police
officers played a significant role in building trust and
confidence.
DISCUSSION
The findings highlight the importance of building
positive relationships between Indigenous peoples
and police. Enhancing cultural competency training for
police officers emerged as a key recommendation to
address the issues of bias and discrimination.
Moreover, community policing initiatives, such as
developing
partnerships
with
Indigenous
communities, can help foster trust and collaboration.
The discussion also emphasizes the significance of
incorporating Indigenous perspectives and voices in
the development of policing policies and practices. This
includes engaging Indigenous communities in decision-
making
processes,
establishing
accountability
mechanisms for police conduct, and promoting
cultural awareness within law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the results underscore the need for
ongoing dialogue and reconciliation efforts between
Indigenous peoples and police. Building trust requires
long-term commitment and sustained efforts to
address the historical and systemic issues that have
contributed to the strained relationship.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into
the intersection of Indigenous peoples and police,
focusing on contact and confidence. The findings
emphasize the need for improved cultural competency
training for police officers, increased community
engagement, and the inclusion of Indigenous
perspectives in shaping policing practices. By
addressing these factors, it is possible to foster
positive interactions, enhance trust and confidence,
and work towards building a more equitable and
inclusive
relationship
between
Indigenous
communities and law enforcement agencies. These
findings can inform policy development, training
programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting
respectful and effective policing practices that
recognize the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples.
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8
International Journal Of Law And Criminology
(ISSN
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2771-2214)
VOLUME
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Pages:
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SJIF
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OCLC
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Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
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