| First impressions can have an immediate impact on the corresponding behavior that people exhibit once their initial impressions of others are formed. As a result, this study sought to understand if physical appearance, minus race, had an impact on police officers perceptions of individuals they come into contact with while on duty. In addition, this study also sought to understand what impact an impression has on officers corresponding level of response. A phenomenological research design was most fitting for this study, allowing this researcher to discover the true essence of the participant's opinions and experiences. A total of seventeen police officers volunteered to participate in this study, allowing their perceptions and experiences to be analyzed to address the two research questions guiding this study. Data from the study was collected through semi-structured one-on-one interviews and was analyzed using a synthesis of methods designed by Moustakas, Van Kaam, and Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen. The presences of a hoodie, being from the research site, gang tattoos, dreads, and time of day all emerged as dominant themes. Implications of the findings were discussed. |
