Center on Police Practices and Community

Surveys (available separately on eRepository) were administered to 32 UC Santa Barbara students before and after touring the Santa Barbara County Jail. Respondents' perceptions of law enforcement (attitude toward police: ATP) increased significantly along five dimensions.

This study demonstrates not only the immediate benefit to law enforcement in exposing the public to the inside of jails, but the major role that communication plays in how the community perceives law enforcement.

Understanding the role of communication in police--community relations can open the door to police--community partnerships that improve the effectiveness and safety of both community members and law enforcement officers.