Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
3-2025
School/College
Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs (SOPA)
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Administration of Justice
Committee Chairperson
Howard Henderson, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Jasmine M. Drake, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
David N. Baker, Ph.D.
Committee Member 3
Glenn S. Johnson, Ph.D.
Abstract
Police deviance, specifically police shootings, has been an ongoing issue and topic of discussion. Prior research has primarily focused on victim characteristics such as age, race, and gender, with limited exploration of police officer characteristics in relation to shootings. This study aims to understand the relationship between police officer characteristics and officer-involved shootings (OIS) and killings. Using state-level data collected over a 5-year period, this research examined how officer demographics correlate with shooting incidents. Findings indicated that officers' age and gender are not significant predictors of police shootings or killings, whereas officer race is a significant predictor of involvement in these incidents. This study extends the current body of literature by shifting focus to officer-level factors in police use of deadly force. However, limitations of the research are acknowledged. Policy implications are discussed, along with recommendations for future research to further explore the complex factors influencing police shootings.
Copyright
Copyright © for this work is retained by the author. Any documents and information presented are protected by copyright under US Copyright laws and are the property of the author. All Rights Reserved. For permission to use this content please contact the author or the Graduate School at Texas Southern University ([email protected]).
Recommended Citation
Brown, Denise D., "Examining the Relationship Between Police Officers’ Characteristics and Police Shootings" (2025). Dissertations (2016-Present). 109.
https://digitalscholarship.tsu.edu/dissertations/109