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An audit experiment to investigate the "war on cops": a research note
1Department of Sociology & Nuffield College, University of Oxford, 1 New Road, Oxford, OX1 1NF UK.
Journal of Experimental Criminology
|March 24, 2021
Summary
Former police officers are not stigmatized in the service sector job market, even during periods of social unrest. This study found no evidence of discrimination against ex-officers seeking employment.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Labor Economics
- Criminology
Background:
- Public perception of police can be influenced by events such as police violence.
- Social unrest may impact the employability of former police officers.
- Understanding labor market stigma is crucial for reintegration of professions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate labor market stigma against former police officers.
- To determine if social unrest from police violence affects hiring prospects.
- To assess discrimination in service-related job markets.
Main Methods:
- Experimental audit study design.
- Comparison of callback rates for fictitious applicants.
- Treatment: former police officer; Controls: former firefighter, former code enforcement officer.
- Data collected before and after periods of heightened social unrest.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant evidence of labor market discrimination against former police officers.
- Findings consistent across periods of low and high social unrest.
- No difference in employer response rates between treatment and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Former police officers do not face significant stigma in the service sector job market.
- Prior profession does not appear to negatively impact employment opportunities.
- The study provides empirical evidence against widespread professional taint.
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