Hispanic and Latinx Police Officers’ Perceptions of the Working Environment

Abstract

The percentage of police officers identifying as Hispanic or Latinx is steadily rising nationwide, yet relatively little research has examined this group’s occupational attitudes. Police culture research has identified officers’ perceptions of danger and cynicism toward the public as core concepts. No research to date has examined whether or how Hispanic and Latinx officers might differ from their White colleagues on these occupational attitudes. The present study uses data from a survey of police officers in a large, municipal department. Hispanic and Latinx officers are compared to White peers on perceived danger and cynicism. Results show that Hispanic and Latinx officers feel higher levels of danger but are less cynical. Implications for research and police policy are discussed.