Is neighborhood context a confounder? Exploring the effects of citizen race and neighborhood context on satisfaction with the police

The purpose of this study is to examine individual‐level and community‐level models of citizen satisfaction with the police with particular focus on the effects of citizen race and community context.

Using data collected in a 1997 telephone survey of citizens in Cincinnati, Ohio, this study examines citizen satisfaction with the police with hierarchical linear modeling techniques. The sample includes 614 surveys in 29 neighborhoods.

Results show that citizen race becomes an insignificant factor when neighborhood context is examined simultaneously in the hierarchical model. In addition, prior negative contacts and perceived lower quality of life are strong factors reducing the level of citizen satisfaction.

This study examines citizen satisfaction with the police in only one city, and therefore, more research is needed to investigate the role of city context.

There are a number of ways for police agencies to improve citizen satisfaction. The results suggest that reducing unprofessional police conduct and improving neighborhood conditions are effective strategies.

This study comprehensively examines different perspectives of citizen satisfaction with the police in a hierarchical model. It adds empirical evidence to the issue of race effects on citizen satisfaction in different neighborhoods.