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Killed by police: Validity of media-based data and misclassification of death certificates in Massachusetts, 2004-2016

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  • Feldman, J.M.
  • Gruskin, S.
  • Coull, B.A.
  • Krieger, N.

Abstract

Objectives. To assess the validity of demographic data reported in news media-based data sets for persons killed by police in Massachusetts (2004-2016) and to evaluate misclassification of these deaths in vital statistics mortality data. Methods.We identified 84 deaths resulting from police intervention in 4 news media- based data sources (WGBH News, Fatal Encounters, The Guardian, and The Washington Post) and, via record linkage, conducted matched-pair analyses with the Massachusetts mortality data. Results. Compared with death certificates, there was near-perfect correlation for age in all sources (Pearson r > 0.99) and perfect concordance for gender. Agreement for race/ ethnicity ranged from perfect (The Counted and The Washington Post) to high (Fatal Encounters Cohen's k = 0.92). Among the 78 decedents for whom finalized International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), codes were available, 59 (75.6%) were properly classified as "deaths due to legal intervention." Conclusions. In Massachusetts, the 4 media-based sources on persons killed by police provide valid demographic data. Misclassification of deaths due to legal intervention in the mortality data does, however, remain a problem. Replication of the study in other states and nationally is warranted.

Suggested Citation

  • Feldman, J.M. & Gruskin, S. & Coull, B.A. & Krieger, N., 2017. "Killed by police: Validity of media-based data and misclassification of death certificates in Massachusetts, 2004-2016," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(10), pages 1624-1626.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303940_2
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.303940
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    Cited by:

    1. Stephen Wu, 2021. "Leadership Matters: Police Chief Race and Fatal Shootings by Police Officers," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 102(1), pages 407-419, January.
    2. Haile, Rahwa & Rowell-Cunsolo, Tawandra & Hyacinthe, Marie-Fatima & Alang, Sirry, 2023. "“We (still) charge genocide”: A systematic review and synthesis of the direct and indirect health consequences of police violence in the United States," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).

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