Abstract
Empirical research on police impersonation is rare. This research employs quantitative and qualitative methodologies on 2002–2010
police case files describing impersonation incidents from three police agencies to provide an understanding of the individual
and situational constructs associated with police impersonation. Research objectives included: exploring incident characteristics,
comparing incidents to national violent crime statistics; and identifying common themes. Results show that police impersonation
incidents, offenders, and victims are unique, particularly when compared to national data. Qualitative analysis identified
three major themes related to tactics, motivations, and typology. The research offers a framework for establishing policy
recommendations.
police case files describing impersonation incidents from three police agencies to provide an understanding of the individual
and situational constructs associated with police impersonation. Research objectives included: exploring incident characteristics,
comparing incidents to national violent crime statistics; and identifying common themes. Results show that police impersonation
incidents, offenders, and victims are unique, particularly when compared to national data. Qualitative analysis identified
three major themes related to tactics, motivations, and typology. The research offers a framework for establishing policy
recommendations.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-18
- DOI 10.1007/s12103-011-9153-z
- Authors
- Callie Marie Rennison, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, 1380 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80204, USA
- Mary Dodge, School of Public Affairs, University of Colorado Denver, 1380 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80204, USA
- Journal American Journal of Criminal Justice
- Online ISSN 1936-1351
- Print ISSN 1066-2316