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Youth Perspectives on Policing: Insights from British Columbia, Canada

This study explores the perceptions of police among youth who use drugs in three BC communities. It examines how these perceptions shape interactions and provides strategies for fostering positive relations. The Youth Experiences with Police (YEP) Project utilized mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to delve into the factors influencing youth perspectives on law enforcement. Findings reveal the impact of local media coverage, personal interactions, family stories, and structural vulnerabilities on youth views of the police. The study highlights the importance of communication, relationship-building, and community policing in improving interactions between youth who use drugs and law enforcement. For more information, contact the Principal Investigator, Dr. Scott Macdonald, at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria.

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Youth Perspectives on Policing: Insights from British Columbia, Canada

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  1. Perceptions of police among youth who use drugs from three communities in British Columbia, Canada: Findings from the Youth Experiences with Police (YEP) Project Presented by: Alissa Greer PhD (candidate), University of British Columbia Research Associate, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research Co-authors: Drs. Marion Selfridge & Bernie Pauly Principal investigator: Dr. Scott Macdonald Funding: SSHRC Insight Grant

  2. Background: Policing & youth who use drugs (YWUD) • In US: Less positive than adults (Taylor et al. 2001) • Perceptions contribute to views of police legitimacy, integrity and confidence (Tyler, 1990) • YWUD: • Approach makes a difference (Lancaster et al., 2013) • Likelihood of encounters & outcomes(Ti, et al., 2013; Werb et al., 2014) • Negative expectations leads to police avoidance (Weitzer and Brunson 2009)

  3. The current study:YWUD Experiences with Police • Learn more about experiences with police among YWUD • Street checks • Police discretion • What are YWUD perceptions of police and how are they shaped? • How can we foster more positive relations?

  4. Youth Experiences with Police (YEP) Project • PI: Dr. Scott Macdonald, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria • Mixed methods • Qualitative (n=38) • Quantitative (n=449) • Three sites in BC • Respondent driven sampling • Interviews lasted approx. 1 hour • $30 CAD cash honorarium Prince George Chilliwack Victoria

  5. Qualitative methods • Questions vetted by the community • Collaborative, thematic analysis with multiple coders • Critical theoretical lens

  6. Qualitative sample (n=38)

  7. What shapes YWUD’s perceptions of police? Local media coverage Previous & recent interactions International media coverage Previous & recent witnessing of events Family perceptions & stories Music Social media Friend’s perceptions & stories Shaped over time

  8. “Good cop, bad cop” • Differences of perceptions based on police: • Gender • RCMP vs City police • Senior vs Junior • By community & culture • Specific police: bullies vs allies

  9. “Police are scary” : power and police • Police “don’t take us seriously” • “Your word against mine” • Disproportionate force and violence • “You have to be an asshole” • Structural vulnerability & knowledge of the system

  10. Strategies for more positive interactions • How they were spoken to • Developing relationships • Being understood vs misunderstood was important

  11. A path forward: suggestions from YWUD • Education • Community policing • Developing relationships

  12. Why this matters

  13. Questions? Acknowledgements: Funding: SSHRC Insight Grant Personal funding: Vanier Canadian Graduate Scholarship Principal Investigator: Dr. Scott Macdonald, Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria Co-Authors: Drs. Marion Selfridge & Bernadette Pauly Special thanks to: Sarah Ferencz VOYCE youth group Community partners All the youth who took the time to speak with us a.greer@utoronto.ca @alissagreer

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