Abstract
Research Essay
Research in progress for CRIJ 2328: Police Systems and Practices
Faculty Mentor: Stephanie Abramoske-Austin, PhD
This article began from a term paper assignment in CRIJ 2328, Police Systems and Practices—a required course for Criminal Justice students. The assignment asks students to research a current policing topic and write an essay that includes the history of the topic, its importance for modern-day policing, a review and analysis of the empirical evidence on the topic, and proposed solutions. Ayleen Suarez chose to research the “Ferguson effect.” The Ferguson effect began circulating online and in a variety of news programs after Michael Brown was shot by police in 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri (hence the title of the theory). The central assertion of the Ferguson effect is that negative media coverage of policing affects officer morale, which, in turn, makes them less likely to engage in their duties to avoid potential criticism, accusations, and civil suits. As such, the Ferguson effect theory hypothesizes a link between public scrutiny and distrust of police and a decline in proactive policing, resulting in an increase in violent crime between 2015-2016. The fundamental research question is whether there is evidence that the hypothesis is true. Ayleen begins her research by explaining the history of the Michael Brown shooting and the subsequent Department of Justice investigation into the shooting. Ayleen continues her research on how the theory developed and provides a summary and analysis of the empirical research on this topic—including other explanations for rising crime rates during the period in question. Based on her research, Ayleen finds that “attributing the substantial growth of crime rates solely to the Ferguson effect strips the importance of other intricate factors influencing crime trends like policing strategies, socioeconomic conditions, and community trust in law enforcement.” Ayleen effectively concludes her article with policy recommendations to increase trust between the police and the communities they serve.
Recommended Citation
Suarez, Ayleen A.
(2025)
"The Ferguson Effect,"
Quest: Vol. 9, Article 2.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.collin.edu/quest/vol9/iss1/2
Faculty Mentor
Professor Stephanie M. Abramoske-Austin
smaustin@collin.edu