The Role of Police Perception in Shaping Public Meeting Attendance and Implications for Planners

Abstract

This is the first study to assess how resident perception of the police is associated with public meeting attendance. Using 689 exit poll surveys in Oklahoma City, we conducted regression models to understand factors associated with meeting attendance. Our findings reveal that police perception is related to meeting attendance, especially for younger, college-educated residents who live in non-white precincts. The study also helps to differentiate resident perceptions of police compared to other public services. The findings are important given that typical public meeting attendees are older and white and the role of police powers in urban planning processes.