Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Criminology
Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts
First Advisor
Dr Ken Dowler
Advisor Role
Supervisor
Second Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Lavoie
Advisor Role
Reader
Third Advisor
Dr. Dan Antonowicz
Advisor Role
Reader
Abstract
This research investigated the impact of user-generated videos on students’ attitudes towards the police. A survey was conducted at Wilfrid Laurier University in Brantford and was administered to 200 students consisting of a number of control variables such as age, race, police contact, and neighbourhood context, along with measurements of attitudes towards the police. It measured online video viewing habits along with familiarity of three online videos. Multivariate analysis showed that watching user generated videos had little to no impact on students attitudes towards the police. The analysis showed that police contact was the most influential factor in impacting attitudes towards the police. It is therefore important for police to develop positive contact opportunities with the public.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Daniel N., "Police on Camera: The Impact of Watching User-Generated Police Videos on Students’ Attitudes towards the Police" (2015). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 1749.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/1749
Convocation Year
2015
Convocation Season
Fall