The effects of amount of contact, contact expectation, and contact experience with police on attitudes toward police

This study examined the relationship of amount of contact, contact expectation, and contact experience with attitudes toward police. A telephone survey conducted in Midland and Odessa, Texas, was given to 581 individuals. Participants were asked questions regarding their attitudes toward police. Participants who had contact with police in the last two years (n=258) were also asked about the amount and type of contact they had with police. Results indicated that overall (1) the amount of contact did not predict attitudes: (2) positive experiences correlated with more positive attitudes, and negative experiences correlated with more negative attitudes; and (3) contact expectation, when factoring in the effect of contact experience, did not predict attitudes. Recommendations are made regarding when and what types of contact are likely to improve attitudes toward police. © 2004 Society for Police and Criminal Psychology.