Examining Officers with a Higher Level of Education Perception on Police Transparency and Legitimac

The study examined the impact of higher education on officers' perception about police transparency and legitimacy. An online survey was deployed via Qualtrics to officers, examining their perception on the releasing of video data on critical incidents and use of force policies. Prior studies have not included officers' perception about the releasing of video and other transparency and legitimacy factors. The survey was administered to the rank and file officers in the Fort Worth Police Department regarding their perception on the releasing of video data, personnel misconduct files, and the impact media have on the public with respect to police transparency. The researcher examined officers with a higher level of education perception on police transparency and legitimacy. Findings indicated a statistically significant association between officers with a higher level of education and releasing of video data within 24 hours of the incident. Findings will be used to broaden the understanding of officers' perception and to identify policies and laws that have a negative impact towards citizens and law enforcement communities. The survey was conducted over a two-week period and the study period ended on April 24, 2017.