Perceptions of officers' occupational identity management strategies in police–civilian interactions: does race play a role?

The article examines how identity management strategies used by White and Black male police officers during tense police–civilian interactions influence observers' perceptions of officer competence, warmth, and appropriateness of actions. Using an experimental design manipulating officer race, civilian race, and identity management strategy, the study found that White officers were rated lower in competence than Black officers when the civilian was resisting arrest, while Black officers were seen as more competent than White officers when policing White civilians. Perceptions of warmth and competence varied based on the race of both officer and civilian and the officers’ identity management approaches, but no significant differences emerged regarding the appropriateness of officers’ actions. The research highlights the complex dynamics shaping public evaluations of police officers in racially charged encounters.