Date

5-20-2026

Department

Helms School of Government

Degree

Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

Chair

Seguin, Timothy Jay

Keywords

de-policing, anti-police movement, George Floyd, under policing, Ferguson Effect, police discretion

Disciplines

Leadership Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand de-policing among police officers in the U.S. state of Minnesota (MN) relative to the 2020 anti-police movement. The theoretical underpinning of this study is rooted in Rational Choice Theory (RCT) and its focus on rational actors engaging in cost-benefit analysis as a behavioral model. RCT serves to capably explain de-policing behavior as a law enforcement officer (LEO) reaction to fears that engaging in self-initiated policing activity has become detrimental to their careers. The research design to be utilized is the generic qualitative method which will utilize officer questionnaires, interviews, and reflexive researcher memo journaling to answer three research questions: 1) Did MN LEOs engage in self-directed de-policing because of the anti-police (Black Lives Matter/Defund the Police) movement of 2020? 2) Did de-policing officers primarily de-police people perceived as Black? 3) Have officers who initially engaged in self-directed de-policing resumed normal enforcement practices, or have their long-term policing behaviors been altered?

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