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Racial Bias In Policing
Black Men and Police Officers Offer Solutions
Summer 2020

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Problems with racial bias in policing extend beyond Black men and disproportionately affect people of color regardless of gender.
Black men are the focus of this study because they are much more likely to have a fatal encounter with police than any other
group.
Police violence is a leading cause of death for young
men in the United States. Over the life course, about 1
in every 1,000 black men can expect to be killed by
police. Risk of being killed by police peaks between the
ages of 20 y and 35 y for men and women and for all
racial and ethnic groups. Black women and men and
American Indian and Alaska Native women and men are
significantly more likely than white women and men to
be killed by police. Latino men are also more likely to be
killed by police than are white men.
Frank Edwards, Hedwig Lee, and Michael Esposito in the Proceeding of the
National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) Journal: August 20, 2019 116 (34) 16793-
16798; https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1821204116
Background

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Study Background: In order to shed light on the problem of racial bias in policing we conducted a nationwide survey of Black men
and police officers to get their opinions on the nature of the problem and proposed solutions.
Methodology
• Nationwide online survey
Base Sizes
• N=200 African-American Men
• N=102 Police Officers
Field Dates
• June 12-15, 2020
Background & Methodology

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Research Findings

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• Racial bias in policing is considered a serious problem by both Black men and police officers.
• Both Black men and police officers feel that Americans don’t understand the challenges they face.
• Black men support policies that promote equality in society. Police support more training. Black Men and
• Both Black men and police officers believe Americans have a role to play in achieving positive change in policing.
• A majority of both Black men and police officers believe protests can bring about positive change.
• Police officers support policies that decrease police violence.
• Black men want Americans to understand how difficult it is to be a Black man. Police want Americans to understand
how difficult it is being a police officer.
Key Findings

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5% 5% 7% 5% 6% 2%
12%
7%
13%
8%
14%
19% 15% 19%
24% 35%
29%
30%
25% 36%
81%
77% 79% 77%
71%
63% 60% 63% 63%
56%
This is a serious
problem in the
U.S.
This is a minor
problem in the
U.S.
This is not a
problem in the
U.S.
How do you feel about each of the following issues/topics facing the U.S.?
Black Men (A) (n=200) Police Officers (B) (n=102)
Racially biased policing Mass shootings Economic inequality Equal access to health care Lack of affordable housing
Black
Men
Police
Officers
Black
Men
Police
Officers
Black
Men
Police
Officers
Black
Men
Police
Officers
Black
Men
Police
Officers
A
A
• Racial bias in policing is considered a serious problem by both Black men and police officers.
Letters (A/B) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.
Black Men and Police Officers Agree Racial Bias in Policing is a Serious Problem

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12% 12%
13%
21%
14%
21%
17%
29%
45%
18%
Black Men Police Officers
1-Not well at all
2
3-Neutral
4
5-Very well
How well do you think people in America understand the
challenges faced by......?
B
A
62%
25%
47%
33%
Black Men Police Officers
(A)
(n=200)
(B)
(n=100)
• However, Black men are more likely than police officers to feel their challenges are not
understood.
Both Black Men and Police Officers Feel That Americans
Don’t Understand the Challenges They Face
Letters (A/B) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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• Both groups support anti-racism and police accountability policies equally. Police are more likely to suggest monitoring police actions.
• Black men see the problem as larger than policing. America’s history of oppression much be addressed to achieve positive change.
What policies do you think are needed to ensure policing
is fairly applied to all citizens regardless of race?
11%
12%
20%
13%
13%
24%
19%
3%
3%
9%
12%
13%
21%
35%
Build Community Support/Unity
More Monitoring/Control Measures Over Police
Actions/Practices
More/Better Police Training
Police Accountability/Punishment For Police Wrong-
Doing
Anti-Racism Policies/Stop Racism Profiling
Enforce The Law/Better Enforcement Of The Law
More Equality Policies/Enforce/Support Equality
Black Men Police Officers
B
A
A
Black Men (Select Verbatims)
“We would need policies that are actually
enforced but spell out the course of action
that will be taken if an officer is in violation
of any person's rights.”
“Just being taught to be overall fair within
the system, but that cannot happen cause
the argument is within the world of the
roots in USA."
“Better vetting and training, coupled with a
culture of accountability.”
“It's not about policies it's about culture.
We need to change the policing culture.”
“The policies are already in place. There
does need to be continual sensitivity
training.”
“...becoming a police officer should be a
lot harder. Maybe require a bachelors in a
stem field to get into the police academy.”
“No policy will matter if the ones
enforcing it remain the same.”
“I really don't even know at this point.”
Police Officers (Select Verbatims)
“Understand that the police are not the
enemy treat your local police with respect
and follow commands and all will be equal.”
“Policies such as proper identification and
wearable cameras would help but have to be
mandatory at every level.”
“There needs to be a policy to stop bias
decision making. Which plays a prominent
role with a lot of racial incidents.”
“A national network that sets guidelines and
standards for all police departments so that
fair policies can be standardized.“
“I think certain policies that need to be in
place is longer periods of training and running
background checks on your officers.”
“Very tight contact with local communities,
bringing or and he to higher levels, new tests
and exams for officers.”
“Policies based on how police are hired would
definitely result in a positive impact. Police are
able to be hired with minimal requirements and
it's resulting in unqualified people being hired.
(A)
(n=190)
(B)
(n=97)
To Combat Biased Policing, Black Men Support Policies That Promote Equality in Society
Police Support More Training
Letters (A/B) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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• Black men want help in ending racism and promoting tolerance. Police officers want help in collaborating with the community and promoting reform.
How do you think people in America can help (Black men/Police)
achieve positive change in policing communities of color?
24%
20%
18%
29%
1%
17%
8%
14%
1%
2%
7%
8%
11%
15%
22%
23%
More Support To Police/Help Promote Positive
Image Of Police
Support/Enforce The Law/Rules/Policies/Encourage
People To Follow Laws
Reform The Police System
Promote/Support Unity/More Collaboration Between
Communities/Organizations
Help Communities Of Color Achieve More/Better
Living Conditions/Opportunities In Life
Be More Involved/More Vocal About Issues
Being Respectful/Tolerant/Promote Respect
Eliminate Racism/Take Actions Against Racist
Behaviors/Mentality
Black Men Police Officers
B
A
A
Black Men (Select Verbatims)
“By joining in the protest that black lives
matters and for those who hate people of
color should change their ways.”
“By prosecuting racism .”
“No policy will matter if the ones enforcing
it remain the same “
“Showing that we aren't all bad people and
showing that we do good.”
“First, by understanding our racial history
and then actively advocating for change .”
“Hire more minority officers with better
understanding of the neighborhood and
people they patrol.”
“By including us more. Not being so quick to
call the police on us. During the protest right
now, I see all races participating and that's
what's right.”
“By listening to the cares and concerns of
Black men and treat them with the same
respect you believe you deserve.”
Police Officers (Select Verbatims)
“The people of America should really come
together as one and try to change the system
within but breaking, looting and other activities
that are very violent will do nothing of the sort.
We should really sit down and think about what
we should be doing as citizens and then maybe a
change will be made.“
“Working on mutual trust, enhancing police
work and procedures, listening on society back
up.”
“They can make sure that they vote, and also
stop committing crimes.”
“I think the people should be more involved
with policing strategies, perhaps there should
be an organization where they can work
together, improve networks.“
“Americans simply need to vote for better
politicians. Politicians are the ones who are able
to bring change, not individual police officers.”
“We are already achieving amazing
improvements among every measurable
statistic. Social media and the fake news media
are destroying us and poisoning the climate”
B
(A)
(n=190)
(B)
(n=97)
A
A
Both Black Men and Police Officers Believe Americans have a Role to Play in Achieving
Positive Change in Policing
Letters (A/B) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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10
75% 74%
68% 67% 67%
63%
60%
86%
91%
81% 81%
64%
75%
62%
Law enforcement
agencies
Citizens Community groups Politicians Churches and Religious
Institutions
Social workers Corporations/private
institutions
Black Men Police Officers
Various segments of society can play a role in bringing about positive change to policing
communities of color. Please rate the following community segments on a scale of 1 to 5 with ‘1’
being very little role to play and 5 being a large role in bringing about positive change.
Top 2 Box: 5/4 Ratings
B
AB B
A
A
A A
A
(A)
(n=200)
(B)
(n=100)
• Citizens and Law Enforcement Agencies are expected to play the greatest role in changing the system.
• Corporations are the least expected to play a role in bringing about positive change.
As a Whole, Police Officers Have More Faith That Society Can Bring About Positive Change
Letters (A/B) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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70% 68%
61% 59%
62% 62%
54%
82% 82%
78% 80%
76%
64%
68%
Law enforcement
agencies
Citizens Community groups Politicians Churches and Religious
Institutions
Social workers Corporations/private
institutions
18-34 35+
B
E E
E E
E
E
Various segments of society can play a role in bringing about positive change to policing
communities of color. Please rate the following community segments on a scale of 1 to 5 with ‘1’
being very little role to play and 5 being a large role in bringing about positive change.
Top 2 Box: 5/4 Ratings
(E)
(n=112)
(F)
(n=78)
Black Men:
Younger vs. Older
• Both younger and older Black men believe Law Enforcement Agencies themselves have the largest role to play in bringing about change.
• Young Black men expect the least from Politicians and Corporations.
Older Black Men Have Higher Expectations That Segments of Society Can Bring About Change
Letters (E/F) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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2% 3%
23%
15%
3%
9%
36%
30%
36%
42%
White Non-White
6%
15%7%
6%13%
15%
23%
37%
50%
26%
18-34 35+
10%
2%
7% 21%
14% 5%
29% 34%
40% 38%
Black Men Police Officers
Substantial positive
change
Minor positive
change
No change
Make things worse
Don't know
What effect do you believe the current protests will have on changing problems
related to policing black men and communities of color?
Positive change - Net  69% 72%
B
B
A
73% 63%
D
C
(A)
(n=197)
(B)
(n=97)
(C)
(n=112)
(D)
(n=78)
Black Men: Younger vs. Older
• Younger Black men are more optimistic that protests will bring positive change than older Black men.
• 21% of police officers believe protests will make things worse.
Approximately 70% Of Both Black Men and Police Officers Believe Protests Can Bring About Change
Police Officers: White vs. Non-White
72% 73%
(E)
(n=64)
(F)
(n=33)*
Letters (A-F) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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9%
24%
14%
27%
8%
15%
25%
21%44%
12%
White Non-White
32%
14%
18%
19%
6%
10%
20%
24%
25%
33%
Black Men Police Officers
1-3 years
4-6 years
7-9 years
10 or more years
Don't know
51% 67% A
B
22%
45%
17%
19%
9%
3%
21%
17%
30%
17%
18-34 35+
How long do you think it will take to bring about change that ensures
that policing is fairly applied to all citizens regardless of race?
61% D 36%
D
Less than 10 years - Net 
B
C
(A)
(n=197)
(B)
(n=97)
(C)
(n=112)
(D)
(n=78)
Black Men: Younger vs. Older
• Older Black men are less likely to believe change will happen quickly.
Police Officers Are More Optimistic Than Black Men That Change Will Happen Quickly
Police Officers: White vs. Non-White
77% F 44%
(E)
(n=64)
(F)
(n=33)*
F
Letters (A-F) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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71%
63%
75%
72%
75%
66%
46%
70%
72%
83%
90%
84% 86%
66%
58%
87%
Ban Chokeholds &
Strangleholds
Require de-escalation Require warning before
shooting
Exhaust all other means
before shooting
Require officers to
intervene & stop
excessive force used by
other officers
Ban shooting at moving
vehicles
Require use of force
continuum
Require comprehensive
reporting
Black Men Police Officers
The following 8 policies have been determined to decrease police violence by as much as
72% in police departments that have implemented them. Please rate the following policies
on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being you disagree strongly with implementing the policy and 5
being you agree strongly with implementing the policy.
Top 2 Box: 5/4 Ratings
A
A
A A A
(A)
(n=197)
(B)
(n=97)
• Police officers express greater support for policy changes to decrease police violence than Black men.
• Requiring warnings before shooting has the greatest support from both Black men and police officers.
A Majority of Police Officers Support Policies That Decrease Police Violence
Note: Policies drawn from https://8cantwait.org/
Letters (A/B) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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Older Black Men Express Greater Support For Implementing Policing Policy Changes
63%
54%
70%
64% 65%
61%
42%
61%
81%
77%
82% 82%
90%
74%
53%
82%
Ban Chokeholds &
Strangleholds
Require de-escalation Require warning before
shooting
Exhaust all other means
before shooting
Require officers to
intervene & stop
excessive force used by
other officers
Ban shooting at moving
vehicles
Require use of force
continuum
Require comprehensive
reporting
18-34 35+
E
E E
E
EE
E
(E)
(n=197)
(F)
(n=97)
The following 8 policies have been determined to decrease policy violence by as much as
72% in police departments that have implemented them. Please rate the following policies
on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being you disagree strongly with implementing the policy and 5
being you agree strongly with implementing the policy.
Top 2 Box: 5/4 Ratings
Black Men:
Younger vs. Older
Note: Policies drawn from https://8cantwait.org/
• Older Black men express greatest support for Requiring Officers to Intervene when they witness excessive force being used.
• Younger Black men express greatest support for Requiring Warning Before Shooting.
Letters (E/F) indicate significant difference at 95% confidence level.

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• They want their fellow citizens to understand the levels of discrimination they experience and how difficult it is to be a Black man in America.
• They are asking for a little humanity and respect.
• Many want change in the system but need community support to achieve it. To see a full list of Verbatims, click HERE.
Black Men Want the Same Rights and Opportunities Afforded to Other Americans
What do you wish people in America understood
about being a Black man?Black Men (Select Verbatims)
“Being labeled from our 1st breath.
Every negative connotation you can
imagine without even getting to
know the individual. 400+ yrs isn't
going to change over night.”
“Being black is strength and love for
all. The black mean great support for
good change.“
“Being black is a blessing.”
“I wish they understand what being
black means and being hated for your
skin color and treated unfairly.”
“The playing field isn't level.”
“People in America should understand
that just by being black you're
automatically labelled a theft or
labelled as being violent when it's the
total opposite.”
“We can't breathe.”
Black Men (Select Verbatims)
“The discrimination and the
misunderstanding of our culture.”
“That just because we are black
doesn't mean we are dangerous, that
our skin color isn't a weapon.”
“That slavery happened.”
“The constant fear of having to
interact with law enforcement.”
“Being black is not a crime.“
“That when a non-black person says
"all lives matter" it's like telling a
black person to shut up. You can't
say all lives matter until black lives
matter.”
“That all we want is a fair chance and
equal opportunity. To be treated
equally not based on the color of our
skin but because we are also
deserving.”
“Hard to live .”
7%
12%
28%
35%
Being Black Is A Blessing/Black
People Are Also Functional Part Of
The Society
Not All Black Men Are The Same/Bad
The Struggle Of Being Black/A Black
Man
Differences/Discrimination We
Experience For Being Black/As A
Black Man
C
B
Black Men
(n=200)

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• Many want change in the system but need community support to achieve it. To see a full list of Verbatims, click HERE.
Police Officers Want Americans to Understand How Difficult and Stressful Their Job is
What do you wish people in America understood
about being a police officer?
Police Officers (Select Verbatims)
“That some of us are nice and not
mean nor racist.”
“We are not all bad, some of us are
really for the people.”
“Community and police must be
integrated.”
“That at the end of the day we are
also citizens of the Community we
patrol, police just want to make it
back home to our family and we
have the same day to day problems
every one else face each day.”
“That being a police officer doesn’t
mean I am a bad person, I care about
people and want to improve the
world with my job.”
“Policing is a psychologically
stressful work environment filled
with danger, high demands,
ambiguity in work encounters.“
Police Officers (Select Verbatims)
“That sometimes people be fighting
back but still us police officers have no
right to kill someone without cause.”
That it's a hard job and most police
officers can't speak out against the
bad ones or else they may lose their
jobs.”
“How little in classroom training
prepares you for being in the field, and
how much of an emotional toll the job
takes on all areas of our lives..”
“That being a police officer is a hard
and dangerous job. Not all police
officers are bad or abuser their
authority.”
“Being a peacekeeper is hard, but it
wouldn't be if every American will be a
peacemaker.“
“We are here to serve and protect.”
14%
18%
22%
25%
40%
We Are Doing Our Best/What We Are
Supposed To Do
We Are All The Same/We Are Also
Human/Like Other People
Not All Police Officers Are The Same
We Want To Make Things Better
It Is A Tough/Dangerous/Stressful
Job
Police Officers
(n=102)

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Respondent Profile
Black Men Police Officers
Age (A) (B)
18-24 38%B 13%
25-34 23% 37%A
35-44 15% 43%A
45-54 11% 5%
55+ 15%B 2%
Mean 33.8 34.1
Gender
Male 100%B 69%
Female -- 31%
Region
Northeast 22% 33%A
Midwest 13% 14%
South 48%B 32%
West 18% 21%
Ethnicity
White (Non-Hispanic) - 67%
Black, African-American 100%B 13%
Hispanic / Latino - 14%
Asian - 6%
Other / Mixed - 1%
(n=200) (n=102)
Black Men Police Officers
Household Income (A) (B)
<$40K (Net) 48%B 8%
$40K-$79K (Net) 23% 37%A
$80K+ (Net)26% 26% 54%
HHI Median $40.6K $85.0K
Political Learning
Very conservative 12% 19%
Somewhat conservative 34% 36%
Somewhat liberal 35% 32%
Very liberal 20% 13%
Education Level
High School Grad or Less (Net) 36%B 4%
Some College (Net) 30% 35%
College Grad or More (Net) 34% 60%A
Employment Status
Employed (net) 66% 100%A
Work full-time 38% 96%A
Work part-time 18% 4%
Self-employed/business owner 8% -
Full-time Homemaker 3% -
Retired 6% -
Student, not employed 10% -
Currently unemployed 7% -
Unable to work/Disabled 4% -
Prefer not to answer 4% -
(n=200) (n=102)
Letters indicates significant difference at 95% confidence level.