The Science of Policing Equity: Measuring Fairness in the Austin Police Department

Public trust in law enforcement is alarmingly low in many communities nationwide, particularly in those experiencing violent crime coupled with intensive police presence. Research shows that positive policecommunity relationships are crucial for safer communities: citizens are more likely to engage as witnesses and as partners in crime reduction if they believe in the legitimacy of police as equitable and impartial agents of the law. Yet many community members perceive law enforcement activities to be targeted toward—and biased against—nonwhite people.

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