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Peer Effects in Police Use of Force

Author

Listed:
  • Justin E. Holz
  • Roman G. Rivera
  • Bocar A. Ba

Abstract

We study the link between police officers' on-duty injuries and their peers' force use using a network of officers who attended the police academy together through a random lottery. On-duty injuries increase the probability of officers using force by 7 percent in the subsequent week. Officers are also more likely to injure suspects and receive complaints about neglecting victims and violating constitutional rights. The effect is concentrated in a narrow time window following the event and is not associated with significantly lower injury risk to the officer. Together, these findings suggest that emotional responses drive the effects rather than social learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Justin E. Holz & Roman G. Rivera & Bocar A. Ba, 2023. "Peer Effects in Police Use of Force," American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, American Economic Association, vol. 15(2), pages 256-291, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejpol:v:15:y:2023:i:2:p:256-91
    DOI: 10.1257/pol.20200227
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H76 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other Expenditure Categories
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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