The Threat of Appearing Racist: Stereotype Threat and Support for Coercion Among Australian Police Officers

Recent research in the United States has argued that threat of confirming “racist cop” stereotype may paradoxically increase propensity for coercive policing by depressing officers’ self-legitimacy. The current study aimed to assess influence on self-legitimacy and their attitudes toward force an Australian jurisdiction. An online survey was completed 306 frontline officers Queensland, Australia. Structural equation modeling used force, extent which this is mediated perceptions findings confirmed previous findings, with increased officer associated support policing, reduced are discussed reference how validity salience can be diminished.