Date of Defense
4-22-2025
Date of Graduation
4-2025
Department
Public Affairs and Administration
First Advisor
Vickie Edwards
Second Advisor
J. Kevin Corder
Third Advisor
Anthony Helms
Abstract
This thesis presents an informational overview of a wide variety of controversial topics related to modern police and civilian interaction. Additionally, it presents specific survey development theory meant to aid in the creation of a highly accessible survey instrument for use by public administrators. Public administrators may find particular value in the development and continuous improvement of public policy and community education programs based on feedback from constituents. This writing focuses on survey development theory, a historical overview of relevant legal cases establishing police discretion, issues facing people in custody, legal protections specific to police, militarization, federal partnerships, police training, anti-police movements, and public resource management concerns. Each of these topics provides a unique avenue for exploration and quantitative data analysis both short and long-term.
Recommended Citation
Mendez, Austin, "Police & Civilian Interaction: Developing A Survey of Social Attitudes Toward Law Enforcement for Public Administrators" (2025). Honors Theses. 3963.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3963
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Presentation